In mid-December of this year, the US announced it would be normalizing relations between Cuba and the United States. This came as intriguing news to those in the produce industry which now has hopes of future trades with Cubans. Local ports in Florida, Texas and Louisiana will be targeted for the new trade lines to our southern neighbors, and this should even help with area tourism.
Since Cuba is not currently set up for trade with the US, it may take some time before they expand their infrastructure and logistical methods to become substantial producers and exporters.
Instead of importing fruit and produce from countries farther away, Cuba is close enough to the US to replace some of those distant exporters. Cuba has good soil for farming and growing, a good water supply, and an abundance of experienced growers. The port in Miami will most likely be one of the major connections for trade with Cuba.
Everyone is excited about the long list of products that could potentially be imported and exported. There are likely foods that are considered commonplace in Cuba that the US has little knowledge of, and they will likely experience trying new produce from us that aren’t commonplace there.
In addition to grains and produce, Cuban farmers will have access to newer technology for their farms and orchards. Local vendors and manufacturers are hoping to see an increase in business, and it seems that the Cubans are equally as excited.
One thing to keep in mind, nothing will happen overnight. There are still rules and regulations that the US has to abide by when dealing with any foreign country. One very positive note is the extremely close proximity of Cuba to the US: 90 miles.
image source: Flickr Creative Commons
