Restrictions on trade and travel with Cuba make it difficult for U.S. growers to effectively access a growing market only 90 miles from their shores. Currently the 10th largest export market for U.S. corn, Cuba holds the potential to use an even more significant portion of the crop, should the government move to relax trade and travel restrictions. Notably, if the ban is not eased, growers could possibly lose market share to competitors with more normalized trade relationships.
“First, we want to ensure that we are able to continue to serve this market,” said National Corn Growers Association Director of Public Policy DaNita Murray. “There are policies in place that make us worry that our farmers are at a competitive disadvantage with other producers also well situated to serve this market. We need to preserve this market as well as grow it.”
NCGA estimates exports of chicken to Cuba could double. This equates to increased amounts of corn needed for feed usage. But, without the changes in trade policy proposed by U.S. Reps. Collin Peterson and Jerry Moran, corn growers will not be able to take advantage of those kinds of opportunities.
While the Cuban trade embargo hasn’t had the same impact on the nation’s corn growers that it has had on some agricultural sectors, the NCGA wants to make sure lawmakers don’t forget the issue is important to them.
While there are a limited number of days left on the legislative calendar to address this issue, the window has not entirely closed on further action this year. Members of Congress are still at home in their districts. Now is the chance to act. By speaking directly with their legislators, farmers and their allies can address importance of trade and travel ban relaxations. Make it clear that the embargo has had the unintended consequence of working against the American farmer and rancher and that lawmakers must consider this when they deciding the future of the current embargo.
“Face-to-face meetings have a large impact,” said Murray. “If farmers care enough to mention issues directly to their law makers, it makes a huge difference and really places that topic firmly on the member’s radar. Farmers are by far the best messengers when it comes to what is good for them, their businesses and operations.”
Source: OCGA