WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., announced today he is co-sponsoring H.R. 3687, the Cuba Agricultural Exports Act.
The bill repeals restrictions on export financing for agricultural products, allowing U.S. businesses to provide payment or financing terms for sales of agricultural commodities to Cuba. The act also gives agricultural producers and businesses access to U.S. Department of Agriculture marketing program such as the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program which help the U.S. compete in foreign markets.
Under the act, federal agricultural checkoff programs funded by producers may also be used to expand agricultural markets in Cuba. The bill sets in place safeguards ensuring that no U.S. taxpayer funds can go to the Cuban government.
“Change in Cuba will not happen overnight, but helping to feed a hungry nation and working with the Cuban people already trying to feed their citizens under the Castro regime is an important move,” Cramer said in a statement. “Incremental steps which increase trade in key sectors will help to improve the lives of everyday Cubans, expose them to our way of life, as well as open new markets for our producers.”
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