Cargill supports restoration of U.S-Cuba diplomatic ties

Cargill supports restoration of U.S-Cuba diplomatic ties

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cargill welcomes the
restoration of formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba
with the planned opening of a U.S. embassy in Havana for the first time
in 54 years.

Cargill has long advocated for the end of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba
and was among the first companies to send food shipments to Cuba in 2002
under a humanitarian exemption. The company chairs the U.S. Agricultural
Coalition for Cuba (USACC), a partnership of nearly 100 prominent U.S.
agricultural associations, state groups and businesses committed to
normalizing trade with Cuba.

"The lesson of the embargo is that shutting down the lines of
communication and commerce isn't the most effective approach," Cargill
President and Chief Executive Officer David MacLennan said. "It's only
by sharing the economic and social benefits of our society through open
trade that the U.S. will have a productive relationship with Cuba."

In March Cargill executives joined a U.S. delegation on an agricultural
"learning journey" to Cuba to discuss potential investment in the
country if the embargo is eventually lifted. Among the attendees was
Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Cargill Vice President of Corporate Affairs and
chair of the USACC.

"The re-opening of the U.S. embassy is an important step toward
normalizing our relationship with Cuba," Boughner said. "The embargo has
driven up the cost and lowered the availability of quality food for the
Cuban people. Both societies stand to benefit from a reconciliation."

About Cargill

Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products
and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments
and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and 150
years of experience. We have 152,000 employees in 67 countries who are
committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing
environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and
work. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.


SOURCE Cargill

Source: Cargill supports restoration of U.S-Cuba diplomatic ties --
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- -
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cargill-supports-restoration-of-us-cuba-diplomatic-ties-300107835.html