The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) today stated its support of expanding trade opportunities with Cuba, and specifically for H.R. 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act.
H.R. 4645 is a bipartisan piece of legislation sponsored by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and is co-sponsored by 30 other members of Congress.
MFU supports the bill, which will allow direct financial transactions for U.S. agricultural products to be purchased by Cubans, and it would permit U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.
“Cuba is closer to the United States than the distance I travel from my farm to Great Falls,” said Merrill. “Yet, that trading potential for agricultural goods such as small grains and legumes from Montana is generally well beyond our reach.”
Merrill said that just agricultural trade with Cuba is estimated to be valued at approximately $1 billion to the United States. “We urge our Congressional delegation to continue its past stated support of trade liberalization with Cuba,” said Merrill, “and open up the Cuban market for new Montana food products.”
Source: Montana Farmers Union
Posted by Kaci Switzer
