Michigan Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie, speaking at a recent luncheon of the National Press Club, said that reforming the U.S. embargo on Cuba is a great start for opening a market for American farm products.
Trade involves far more than moving goods and services.
The flow of ideas and values also occurs. Cooperation and respect will dictate our actions, not misguided governmental decrees. The AFBF vice president called recent action by Congress a step in the right direction, but acknowledged that further reform is needed. Lifting unilateral sanctions is a long-held priority of American farmers. Laurie pointed out to the group that sanctions reform is a desirable goal for farmers and ranchers in need of new markets to sell their commodities, while the continuation of sanctions on food and medicine hurts defenseless people, not their rogue leaders.