Back in 1999, then Governor George Ryan led a delegation to the island nation of Cuba. Since that time, a number of Illinois Agriculture groups have been working to ease trade restrictions to the small nation. The Illinois Cuba Working Group recently sent a letter to President Barack Obama hoping to expand trade opportunities between the nations.
The Illinois Corn Growers Association says Cuba's location makes it an excellent opportunity for Illinois commodity and food products. However, backers of doing more with Cuba say federal restrictions on financial dealings make doing business difficult. They are also asking Obama to establish and agricultural trade office in Cuba. Bill Wheelhouse spoke with Phil Thornton, the Value Enhanced Projects Director for the Illinois Corn Growers Association. http://www.illinoiscuba.org/white-paper
