The U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba, of which IDFA is a partner organization, last week expressed support of the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution condemning the trade embargo on Cuba.

Cuba represents a major untapped market for U.S. dairy. If the embargo is lifted, U.S. dairy exports would represent 30 percent of the total dairy product market and upwards of 50 percent for specific products like milk powder, whey, butter and cheese in the country, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Although the General Assembly annually passed similar resolutions for the past 25 years, it was the first time that the resolution passed unanimously because the United States and Israel abstained from voting.

“The administration’s decision to abstain rather than dissent demonstrates a key step forward in reopening trade between our two countries,” said Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs. “However, more work remains to be done in finance, export and travel restrictions.”

Until that is achieved, IDFA will continue to push for the removal of the embargo and free trade between the two countries.

U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba

The U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba represents a broad range of more than 100 agricultural commodity and farm organizations, along with U.S. food and agricultural corporations that support lifting the financing, trade and travel bans for Cuba.

For more information on trade with Cuba, contact Hughes at bhughes@idfa.org.