Representatives of the National Association of U.S. Departments of Agriculture -Nasda-, said Wednesday that they will convey to the federal government the optimism to expand relations in that sector with Cuba.
After his stay in Havana, Nasda’s executive secretary, Ted A. McKinney, said at a press conference that this first visit to the island by Nasda officials made it possible to explore the possibilities of cooperation and to propose ways to strengthen them.
He explained that Nasda does not have the functionality to do business, but through the contacts it has, it can open avenues for mutual exports and imports.
He pointed out how valuable was the exchange with Cuban authorities, scientists related to the sector and producers to confirm the potential of the island, especially with the extensive development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
In this regard, he highlighted the exchange of the members of the delegation with the President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, where the long-standing relationship with the agricultural sector of the North American nation stood out.
McKinney reiterated that the mission of the departments of agriculture of the States is not to establish business, but they are willing to transmit the experience of the largest of the Antilles to the competent entities and to the rest of the States that did not participate in the visit.
The press conference was also attended by the Director of the Indiana Department of Agriculture, Donald F. Lamb; the Commissioner of Agriculture of Connecticut, Bryan Paul Hurbult; and his counterparts from Montana and Louisiana, Christine R. Clark and Michael Strain, respectively.
Minnesota Secretary of Agriculture Thomas E. Peterson, Maine Commissioner of Agriculture Amanda Beal and South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers also participated.
The officials discussed their states’ major rubles and possibilities for cooperation, especially in meat production, grains and food processing.
The U.S. agricultural sector is one of the most active in favor of improving bilateral relations and lifting coercive measures against Cuba.
(Taken from PL in Spanish)
