02.15.05

Cantwell Cosponsors Legislation to Boost Washington Agriculture Exports to Cuba

"Agricultural Export Facilitation Act" Would Cut ThroughRed Tape Hampering Cuban Trade Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) – a longtime advocate for opening new markets to Washington state's agricultural products – today cosponsored legislation to simplify agricultural trade pacts with Cuba.

“We need to cut through the red tape to help Washington farmers,” Cantwell said. “Economic engagement – not isolation – will be the most effective method of promoting political reform in Cuba. This trade relationship can only improve the lives of people on both ends of the cargo.”

The Agricultural Export Facilitation Act of 2005 (S. 328) would eliminate a number of current restrictions on trade with Cuba , which waste time and money and jeopardize the ability of U.S. producers to ink export deals. Since Congress passed a law in 2000 to begin reopening Cuban markets to American agricultural products, United States farmers have made nearly $800 million in sales there.

Cantwell has previously led trade missions to Cuba that paved the way for the country's first purchase of Washington state agricultural products in decades. In January 2002, Cantwell traveled there with a delegation from the University of Washington's Center for Women & Democracy, and met with a number of Cuban officials. In less than six months, Cuba made its first purchase of Washington state dried peas and lentils in 40 years. Since then, Cuba has also purchased Washington state apples and pears.

Still, trade with Cuba remains complicated by a number of restrictions. The legislation Cantwell has cosponsored would lower a number of these barriers. For example, it would allow agriculture producers to use U.S. banks to receive payments directly from Cuba for authorized sales. Today, these producers must route sales through European banks, which impose surcharges of up to 5 percent – money that could otherwise be used to purchase more Washington state products. The legislation would also ease U.S./Cuba travel restrictions for agriculture producers and port officials, simplifying product inspections and allowing trade meetings.

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