Menu
About Us
The Rice Foundation
Shop
ThinkRice.com
Sign Out
Login
Go
Discover U.S. Rice
Find a Supplier
Rice Supplier Directory
Associated Services Directory
Trade Lead Form
Exporting U.S. Rice
International Markets
Market Information
Trade & Access
Food Aid
International Webinar Series
Rice 101
U.S. Rice Facts
Meet U.S. Rice Farmers
How Rice Grows
Where Rice Grows
Rice Resources
Rice Recipes
Health & Nutrition
Rice in Foodservice
National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
News & Events
Publications
USA Rice Daily
Whole Grain
The Rice Stuff Podcast
Domestic Usage Report
USA Rice e-Brief
Rice Eating Occasions Report
Meetings & Events
Calendar
USA Rice Outlook Conference
Sponsors
Presentations
RMA Convention
Media Center
Photo Library
Videos
USA Rice Daily
Contact Us
Industry Resources
Farm Tools
RMA Online
Member Documents
Useful Links
Market Information
Rice Leadership Development Program
USA Rice Boards & Committees
USA Rice Staff
Become a Member
Government Affairs
Key Issues
Commodity Support Programs
Conservation Programs
Crop Protection Tools
Environment & Resources
Food Aid
Food Safety & Labeling
Trade & Access
Advocacy
Advocacy Toolkit
USA Rice PAC
Sustainability
Sustainability Report
Sustainability Webinar Series
Meet U.S. Rice Famers
Advancing Markets for Producers
Rice Stewardship Partnership
U.S. Rice Industry Sustainability Goals
USA Rice Sustainability Award
Trump Changes Course on Cuba; Impact to Ag Unclear
Jun 16, 2017
Not so fast, buddy.
MIAMI, FL - For months USA Rice has been warning that some of President Trump's key economic advisors are decidedly anti-Cuba and could influence the otherwise pro-trade President to take an anti-trade stance with regard to the Island.
Those forces may have carried the day, at least for now, with the President expected to announce here today that he is asking the Commerce and Treasury Departments to take the next 30 days to rework some policies put in place by his predecessor, President Obama.
Specifically, there is expected to be a ratcheting down of travel allowances, or at least more stringent enforcement of the existing policies. However, in what is an unclear but possibly harmful development for agriculture, the President will likely attempt to ban any commercial dealings with the Cuban military.
In a country where the lines between government and industry are blurred, the impact this shift could have on relationships with Alimport, the official government importer of agricultural products, is uncertain.
"We continue to advocate for the normalization of commercial trade and business relationships with the people of Cuba," said Betsy Ward, president & CEO of USA Rice. "Returning to policies that have not only not worked for half a century, but also harmed American farmers is not in the interests of the rural citizens who helped elect President Trump and who he said he was going to put first."
Sign-Up for the Daily
Email Address
Click to add
(?)
First Name
Click to add
(?)
Last Name
Click to add
(?)