February 10, 2023 – Leaders of MABA and the Michigan Bean Commission met this week in Detroit with Cuban Ambassador to the United States Lianys Torres Rivera. MABA President Chuck Lippstreu and MBC Executive Director Joe Cramer discussed shared opportunities between Michigan and Cuba, and emphasized Michigan and U.S. agriculture continue to call for normalized trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Many U.S. agricultural organizations have urged the U.S. government to take steps to normalize relations, including providing the ability for U.S. shippers to offer credit to Cuba, along with reopening opportunities for U.S. investment in private Cuban enterprise. Michigan agriculture leaders expressed hope that the Biden Administration and Congressional leaders will take these steps to enhance two-way trade and engagement between the U.S. and Cuba. “As a leader in the production of sustainable, nutritious dry beans, Michigan would be especially well-positioned to meet strong black bean demand for Cuba,” said MBC President Joe Cramer. “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss Michigan agriculture with Ambassador Torres Rivera, and appreciated her for taking time to join us. We hope policy leaders will take steps to expand trade between our nations and open new market opportunities for Michigan beans.” “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss shared opportunities between Michigan and Cuba with Ambassador Torres Rivera, and we thank the ambassador for taking time to visit our state,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “Normalizing two-way trade and engagement between the U.S. and Cuba is long overdue and we will continue to promote policies that open trade, including opportunities for U.S. exporters to provide credit to Cuban buyers.” # # #
