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Exploring the ramifications of the U.S. embargo of Cuba and new trade opportunities for agriculture, the 2003 Cuba at the Crossroads study tour focused on the implications and challenges of open trading with the island nation. The tour provided Ohio Farm Bureau members and leaders with the opportunity to gain insight into the circumstances of our potential customers and Cuba’s capacity as a potential competitor.

Cuba was targeted for study because analysts estimate its market potential at more than $1 billion for U.S. agriculture should the embargo be lifted. Ohio’s share of this potential market is pegged at more than $25 million. Since the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act was signed into law in 2000, U.S. exporters have been allowed to sell agricultural products to Cuba on a restricted basis. Sales have totaled more than $230 million to date, and Cuban officials predict the United States will make up 60 percent of Cuba’s forecasted $1.5 billion in food imports by 2005.

Trade with Cuba continues to be a goal of both Ohio and American Farm Bureaus.