After traveling to Cuba, agricultural trade is on the agenda for a local congresswoman. U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos visited the country last week to tell its leaders about trade opportunities in Illinois and find out what the state has to offer.
Bustos has a plan to boost Illinois' farm economy. The first step is to create legislation for Cubans to buy products from U.S. farmers through a credit system.
Today, Bustos visited Taylor Ridge, Glasford, and Winnebago to talk with farmers and businesses about her trip to Cuba.
She plans to open an office in the country's capital, Havana, to develop Illinois-Cuban trade. And finally, she wants to show Cubans why farming is the number one economic driver in her home state.
Currently, Illinois and Cuba trade in soybeans, corn, and agricultural products such as John Deere equipment.
Although the embargo between the U.S. and Cuba has not officially been lifted, there are exemptions for agricultural trade.