Dec 21, 2006 9:55 AM
By Forrest Laws
Farm Press Editorial Staff
Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is traveling to Cuba to meet with government
and trade officials about the possibility of expanding agricultural
exports to one of the country's nearest neighbors.
The visit by Moran, currently chairman of the House Agriculture
Committee's General Commodities Subcommittee, could include a meeting
with current acting-President Raul Castro.
"I have long fought for the opening of trade and easing of the embargo
of Cuba," said Moran, who will become ranking member on the subcommittee
in January. "These meetings with Cuban officials come at a unique time
as the health of Cuban leader Fidel Castro continues to be in question."
Moran said he wanted "to get a better understanding of the political
situation in Cuba, explore further opportunities to export U.S.
agriculture commodities and work to establish a framework for our
countries' relations during this time of transition in Cuba."
In 2000, Moran successfully helped open the door to agriculture trade
with Cuba. The passage of H.R. 4461 allowed for the export of
agriculture products to Cuba for the first time in 38 years.
A move by the Department of Treasury in 2005, however, changed its
interpretation of the cash payment in advance rule as it relates to
agriculture exports to Cuba. The change caused payments to be made
before ships leave U.S. ports rather than making payment upon delivery.
Agriculture exports to Cuba were on the rise from 2001 to 2005, but the
change resulted in decreases in agricultural trade between the two
countries. In June, the House approved an amendment introduced by Moran
prohibiting Department of Treasury funds from being used to administer,
implement or enforce its change of the payment of cash in advance rule.
e-mail: flaws@farmpress.com
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