HR4645 would ease travel restrictions and clarify payment provisions

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS
Capital Press

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., has introduced legislation to expand U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba.

HR4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, would reduce bureaucratic red tape required for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba to facilitate new agricultural sales. It would also clarify payment provision that have hampered U.S. dairy exporters' ability to ship product to Cuba in a safe and cost-efficient manner.

"U.S. producers are the closest suppliers that can help meet the food and agriculture needs of the Cuban people," Peterson said in a press release.

The bill would also eliminate the need to go through banks in other countries to conduct agricultural trades and the accompanying fees those banks charge.

The bill would also require agricultural exports to Cuba to meet the same payment requirements as exports to other countries, which means payment would be required when the title of the shipment changes hands, not in advance.

National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council applaud Peterson's efforts and say the bill would facilitate U.S. exporters' ability to conduct business with Cuba, spurring greater demand for U.S. agricultural products.

"The Cuban market holds significant promise for U.S. dairy exporters but has become increasingly difficult to supply within the past few years," said Tom Suber, president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Jerry Kozak, president and CEO of National Milk, said actions the legislation is the type of market-building activity the U.S. government should be working on in order to help expand the market for U.S. agriculture products.

The bill is co-sponsored by 38 other members of Congress. National Milk and USDEC are urging Congress to support the legislation, saying export markets are badly needed to help restore the profitability and future viability of the U.S. dairy industry.