Cuba News and Information

AP

A group of Nebraskans will go on a trade mission to Cuba in August in hopes of selling Nebraska farm products to the Communist nation.

In the past two years, Cuba has imported $1.4 billion in agricultural products from the United States. Food, agricultural products and medical supplies are the only items exempt from the 43-year-old U.S. trade embargo with the Caribbean nation.

Gov. Dave Heineman said the trip has been in the works for months. Heineman has not yet decided if he will go on the trip, but said Agriculture Director Greg Ibach will lead the delegation.

Heineman said there is strong interest in the export of beans produced in western Nebraska, as the crop serves as a main source of protein in Cuban diets. In 2004 Nebraska ranked first in the nation in great northern bean production, second in pinto bean and third in dry edible bean production.