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[Hour by hour news & analysis... http://www.egroups.com/group/Communist-Internet ] [Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] . . ----- Original Message ----- From: Walter Lippmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: CubaNews <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 4:25 AM Subject: [CubaNews] US farmers would prosper if blockade lifted GRANMA March 11, 2002 IF THE BLOCKADE WERE LIFTED U.S. farmers would feel a difference in their lives BY RAISA PAGES (Granma International staff writer) IF the embargo were lifted, the average U.S. farmer would feel a difference in his life within two or three years, commented C. Parr Rossom, agricultural economy professor at the Texas A&M University and co-author of a study on the economic impact of U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. According to Dagoberto Rodr�guez, head of the Cuban Interest Section in Washington, the U.S. economy is missing the opportunity to export more than $1 billion USD in agricultural products to Cuba because of the U.S. blockade, and farmers from Arkansas and California are the most affected. In declarations made to the California newspaper La Opinion, the Cuban diplomat cited academic studies on agricultural economic experts from Texas. Although the statements made by the U.S. executive branch do not reveal any flexibility in relations with the island, members of Congress, academics and businesspersons advocate lifting barriers, Rodr�guez said. The recent visits made by businesspersons from various U.S. states reflect the interest within that country's business sector in trading with the island, even though such trade is limited by the U.S. government policy of persecuting Cuba. Rodr�guez indicated that without the existence of those barriers, U.S. investment in Cuba could amount to the island's current total foreign capital. At the present time, there are some 400 companies established in Cuba, mostly from Canada, Mexico and Spain. THE OPEN WINDOW The terrible scourge brought to Cuba by Hurricane Michelle last November generated a gesture of flexibility towards the island by the U.S. government: the latter permitted the exportation of U.S. foodstuffs, to date totaling 228 tons of grains, cereals and chicken valued at $35 million USD, an amount that could be increased if Cuba were not obligated to pay in advance and in cash, according to recent declarations made by President Fidel Castro. Rodr�guez believes that this window on international trade also represents a business opportunity for the United States. Rice and grains, produced in great quantities in California, are two of the products Cuba is most interested in purchasing. As Rodr�guez points out in his interview with La Opini�n, if the embargo were lifted, California would the one of the states reaping the most benefits. However, not only Californians hope for these opportunities. In recent days, a delegation from Kentucky explored business possibilities in Cuba, including in the agricultural and fishing sectors. Due to tobacco quota cuts, close to 70 percent of Kentucky's agriculture is in decline, stated Scotty Baesler, former lobbyist and co-organizer of the trip, along with the non-governmental organization Center for International Policy, with headquarters in Washington. Contacts were made between James Tidwell of the University of Kentucky and officials from the Ministry of the Fishing Industry, regarding possible shrimp and lobster breeding grounds in Cuba for export to that U.S. state. Information from the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council reported on another recent Cuban $17.5 million USD purchase of corn, wheat, soy products and rice from U.S. company Archer Daniels Midland, which will continue to be delivered until May. The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council also noted an agreement signed between the Cuban company Alimport and Tyson Foods of the United States, to purchase another 1,000 tons of frozen chicken, valued at just under $500,000, German news agency DPA reported. Cuba's previous chicken purchase, following Hurricane Michelle, consisted of more than 7,000 tons from various U.S. companies. What's more, a visit to Cuba is planned by some 20 chicken and egg distributors. However, the Bush administration has clarified that these sales do not change his hostile policy towards the island. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Stock for $4. No Minimums. 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