In contrast to an earlier sanctions reform proposal that was deemed unacceptable, the bill will allow U.S. banks to act as intermediaries to assure payment guaranteed by a third party. The compromise tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens, although it establishes a new exemption for those traveling on agricultural business. President Clinton criticized the travel restrictions language, although he plans to sign the bill. NPPC, in cooperation with other agricultural organizations, has supported easing the trade embargo with Cuba. Cuba is a nation of 11 million people.
Pork is a staple in the Cuban diet.
A protectionist measure that would have effectively blocked Argentina from shipping lemons to the U.S. was dropped by conferees from the Ag Appropriations Bill. NPPC led a coalition to remove the measure, arguing that the provision ran counter to U.S. efforts to break down arbitrary trade barriers erected against American producers and would jeopardize the chances for approval of U.S. pork exports to Argentina. On August 25, NPPC and 26 other organizations sent a letter to the Agriculture Appropriations bill conferees urging that the amendment be rejected. The letter pointed out that the provision would undermine U.S. efforts to ensure that sanitary and phytosanitary measures maintained by foreign governments are based on science and would send the signal that the U.S. is unwilling to abide by sound science in matters of international trade. The letter also described exhaustive safeguards made part of the final rule to ensure protection of U.S. citrus trees.