Thursday we met with the Director of Livestock for the Cuban Agriculture Ministry and discussed the beef and dairy industry in Cuba. Several members of our delegation are livestock producers. They offered expert information on Texas breeds suitable for Cuba's tropical climate. Texas and Cuba's livestock ties date back to the introduction of Santa Getrudis cattle from the King Ranch in South Texas.
We then traveled to Western Cuba to tour a large dairy and beef operation, Genetica Camilo Cienfuegos. At this 20,000 hectare ranch, veterinarians and their staff research ways to improve the genetics of cattle to better meet production needs.
It was a busy day that highlighted Texas' historical ties with Cuba. We see opportunities to extend this relationship in the future through livestock and agricultural trade.
One of the members of our delegaton, Brian McCuistion from Planters Coop, sees potential for growth in Cuba.
"Cuba´s demand for smaller and more frequent shipments of feedgrains and byproducts offers an advantage for growing ag businesses," McCuistion said.
As our trip is winding down, we have been pleased with our progress and trade relationships developed.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Productive Meetings with Alimport Buyers
Wednesday was busy and productive. The morning was filled with meetings among Alimport buyers, who each have expertise in purchasing a variety of commodities, and members of the Texas delegation. Open dialogs were conducted about items such as cotton and rice, as well as retail ready and specialty items. The Texas Port Authority representatives had a long meeting with an official of the Alimport charter division. This representative is responsible for many of the logistical matters concerning imports to Cuba.
The overall feedback we received was positive with requests for immediate return visits or samples of certain products and retail ready items that adhere to Alimport's desired specifications. We expect other trade items will be discussed throughout the week.
Alimport Chairman and CEO Pedro Alvarez Borrego hosted a luncheon for our delegation at the Cuban Protocol House. The luncheon was an opportunity for our sellers to continue building relationships with Alimport buyers.
A tour of a Cuban supermarket revealed many American products already on the shelves. Our goal is to see more Texas products in stores, and Cuba appears to be a willing partner.
The overall feedback we received was positive with requests for immediate return visits or samples of certain products and retail ready items that adhere to Alimport's desired specifications. We expect other trade items will be discussed throughout the week.
Alimport Chairman and CEO Pedro Alvarez Borrego hosted a luncheon for our delegation at the Cuban Protocol House. The luncheon was an opportunity for our sellers to continue building relationships with Alimport buyers.
A tour of a Cuban supermarket revealed many American products already on the shelves. Our goal is to see more Texas products in stores, and Cuba appears to be a willing partner.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Preparing for our Departure to Cuba
Today our trade delegation arrived in Miami, FL. We had a productive night discussing our goals for the trip and preparing for our departure Tuesday morning.
One of the highlights of the evening briefing meeting was the desire of the group to have a moment of silence to honor our nation’s valiant servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. Although we will be traveling far from home, we all carry with us appreciation for our way of life and optimism of opportunity passed on to us from the sacrifices of others.
The delegation is a broad spectrum of talented Texans representing the best our state has to offer. (Click HERE to see delegation list) We travel with no delusions: we are entering a very competitive global market with trade restrictions. Yet, we are optimistic that Texas ingenuity and creativity will find a way to compete.
We will arrive in Havana, Cuba in the afternoon on Tuesday. That evening we will host a reception for the officials of Cuba's food import agency, Alimport.
One of the highlights of the evening briefing meeting was the desire of the group to have a moment of silence to honor our nation’s valiant servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. Although we will be traveling far from home, we all carry with us appreciation for our way of life and optimism of opportunity passed on to us from the sacrifices of others.
The delegation is a broad spectrum of talented Texans representing the best our state has to offer. (Click HERE to see delegation list) We travel with no delusions: we are entering a very competitive global market with trade restrictions. Yet, we are optimistic that Texas ingenuity and creativity will find a way to compete.
We will arrive in Havana, Cuba in the afternoon on Tuesday. That evening we will host a reception for the officials of Cuba's food import agency, Alimport.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saludos de Habana!
On Tuesday, we touched down at Jose Marti Airport after our one hour and ten minute flight from Miami. Officials from Alimport, the agency responsible for making food purchases for the Cuban people, greeted us and our dialogue began.
We boarded our bus and headed to the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. The picturesque hotel captures the character of the 1930s era.
Our reception with Alimport and other government officials was in the L-shaped glass walled Salon de la Historia overlooking the Caribbean Sea with the Florida Keys only 90 miles to the north. It was a step back in time with murals of worldwide celebrities, including those from the United States. Here we offered a taste of Texas hospitality to the Cuban trade representatives. We presented them samples of Texas candies and gourmet snacks, as well as a memento from the Texas Farm Bureau and a GO TEXAN gift bag from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Our initial briefing was formal and included information on trade volumes, needs and a lecture about the U.S. trade embargo, highlighting limitations presented by the current policy allowing for agricultural and medical exports. Our delegation remained focused on the trade aspect and expressed our desire to center our discussions on how our agricultural and agribusiness community can meet the needs of their people.
It was a good opportunity to lay the groundwork for further discussions about commercial engagement, visit with our potential trade partners and catch up with some of the Cuban officials who in the past visited Texas or hosted trade discussions with Texas producers.
Tomorrow we begin discussions with Alimport buyers. We are very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
More on this tomorrow...
We boarded our bus and headed to the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. The picturesque hotel captures the character of the 1930s era.
Our reception with Alimport and other government officials was in the L-shaped glass walled Salon de la Historia overlooking the Caribbean Sea with the Florida Keys only 90 miles to the north. It was a step back in time with murals of worldwide celebrities, including those from the United States. Here we offered a taste of Texas hospitality to the Cuban trade representatives. We presented them samples of Texas candies and gourmet snacks, as well as a memento from the Texas Farm Bureau and a GO TEXAN gift bag from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Our initial briefing was formal and included information on trade volumes, needs and a lecture about the U.S. trade embargo, highlighting limitations presented by the current policy allowing for agricultural and medical exports. Our delegation remained focused on the trade aspect and expressed our desire to center our discussions on how our agricultural and agribusiness community can meet the needs of their people.
It was a good opportunity to lay the groundwork for further discussions about commercial engagement, visit with our potential trade partners and catch up with some of the Cuban officials who in the past visited Texas or hosted trade discussions with Texas producers.
Tomorrow we begin discussions with Alimport buyers. We are very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
More on this tomorrow...
Friday, May 23, 2008
Historic Trip To Cuba
Hello, I'm Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. On May 27th, I will become the first statewide elected official from Texas to visit Cuba on official state business in more than 45 years. I will be leading a delegation of 24 Texans, including farmers, ranchers, commodity suppliers and port representatives.
I will be blogging from Cuba about my visit so that you can stay updated on our progress.
This is a great opportunity to build long-lasting trade relationships with Cuba. We want Texas producers to have access to this growing market and for Cubans to have the chance to enjoy the best agricultural products the world offers: Texas food and fiber.
Our delegation will be in Cuba from May 27 - 31 and will meet with Cuban government officials who procure agricultural products. The group will also visit three Cuban farms to identify food needs not met by domestic production.
The mission is to expand Texas export opportunities to Cuba. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas has exported well over $100 million in agricultural products to Cuba since 2000 when Congress partially lifted the trade embargo against the island nation. Both countries would like to see that increase dramatically.
It is only 900 miles between Houston and Havana but for several decades it might well have been a million miles. This is a great occasion for two nations to work together to improve relations and what better way to do that than through food.
Since 1961, when President John F. Kennedy imposed a trade embargo on the Caribbean country, U.S. and Cuba trade has been non-existent until recently. In October 2000, Congress passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act, allowing the sale of agricultural and medical products to Cuba.
I will be blogging from Cuba about my visit so that you can stay updated on our progress.
This is a great opportunity to build long-lasting trade relationships with Cuba. We want Texas producers to have access to this growing market and for Cubans to have the chance to enjoy the best agricultural products the world offers: Texas food and fiber.
Our delegation will be in Cuba from May 27 - 31 and will meet with Cuban government officials who procure agricultural products. The group will also visit three Cuban farms to identify food needs not met by domestic production.
The mission is to expand Texas export opportunities to Cuba. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas has exported well over $100 million in agricultural products to Cuba since 2000 when Congress partially lifted the trade embargo against the island nation. Both countries would like to see that increase dramatically.
It is only 900 miles between Houston and Havana but for several decades it might well have been a million miles. This is a great occasion for two nations to work together to improve relations and what better way to do that than through food.
Since 1961, when President John F. Kennedy imposed a trade embargo on the Caribbean country, U.S. and Cuba trade has been non-existent until recently. In October 2000, Congress passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act, allowing the sale of agricultural and medical products to Cuba.
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