CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE UPDATES
- January 31, 2008

California Agricultural Products: Finding markets in Cuba

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I started off the new year with a quick trip to Cuba. I was pleased to lead a trade delegation of 11 California companies to this Caribbean nation. Our mission objectives were straightforward: We sought to increase sales of California agricultural commodities and to develop future business opportunities for our ag industry. Cuba is probably best known for its picturesque beaches, distinctive music and thriving cigar industry. But more important to us, it also represents a potential market for California agricultural goods.

Since 2000, food products have been exempt from the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba. Despite this, California only exported an estimated $735,000 of agricultural products to Cuba in 2006. The low California export sales total contrasts with Cuba’s $180 million worth of global imports of California-type commodities, such as nuts, dairy products and wine.

Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, Director of the North American Division of Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that there are many types of fruits, nuts and vegetables that simply cannot be grown in Cuba due to the tropical climate. The United States--particularly California--is a logical supplier of products to meet this market need.

Our delegation consisted of California agricultural leaders with a commitment to international trade and the ability to meet the requirements of the Cuban market. Representatives from the following companies participated in this marketing mission: California Farm Bureau Federation, Centers for International Trade Development, Constellation Brands, Hilmar Cheese, Irrigation West, Limoneira Company, Mariani Nut Company, The Nunes Company, Pandol Brothers, Sierra Orchards and Valley Fig Growers.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Pedro Alvarez Borrego, chairman and CEO of Empresa Cubana Importadora Alimentos (Alimport), who arranged for all our meetings with government food buyers.

While no direct contracts were signed on this trip, the visit paved the way for future exports to Cuba.

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Join us, along with California Women for Agriculture, for Ag Day 2008 on Tuesday, March 25 on the west steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. The theme is "Decisions Today, Impacting Tomorrow."

Renowned celebrity chef Guy Fieri (left) will show us how to enjoy "Cooking With Your Kids."

This event opens to legislators and their staffs at 10:30 AM. The public program begins at 12 PM.

For more information, contact Jonnalee Henderson or Kelly Hoppin at (916) 654-0433.

 

As always, thank you for your support. Feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.

A.G. Kawamura

Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0433

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[Photos courtesy of: Jonnalee Henderson/CDFA and Robert Tse/CDFA]