USACC to Host Annual Conference in Havana

From April 6-8, the United States Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) will host its annual conference in Havana.

The USACC conference aims to deepen U.S.-Cuba agricultural relations and provide an opportunity to increase trade.

USACC’s high-level business conference will provide a venue for American agricultural leaders to re-establish contacts, meet ministry officials, producers, buyers, processors, and learn about recent policy changes affecting agricultural trade, investment, and production.

Presentations will include discussions on foreign investment in the sector, the state of agriculture on the Island today, U.S.-Cuba relations, American policies on exports, importing products, and investing in production. Learn how MAP and FMD funds are being used in Cuba to promote products in the market.

Confirmed attendees include American and Cuban officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Foreign Relations, and the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Also in attendance from the U.S. are the national representatives for Corn, Wheat, Rice, Beans, Poultry, Dairy, and State Farm Bureaus.

Paul Johnson, chair of the USACC and partner at FocusCuba Consulting, said, “The conference comes at an important time. U.S. exports to Cuba have been increasing, and there have been significant changes in Cuban law opening up opportunities for exchange between American investors and Cuban producers. Cuba is a market that has great potential for U.S. exporters as well as those interested in collaborating with local producers to increase local agricultural production. The strong showing from American participants demonstrates the need and desire for a change in our political debate with Cuba. The Island is the 53rd largest market for our agricultural products today, this is under a policy that is unreasonable and out of date. Agricultural interests in the U.S. are broad and deep and conferences like this prove the need for a new and effective approach with Cuba.”

The USACC reported that the U.S. is the largest food exporter to Cuba, although the market share is less than 15 percent. In 2021, food exports from the U.S. to Cuba reached nearly $300 million, an increase of 88% since 2020 and the highest since 2014.

A field trip is among the conference activities and includes a visit to farms, cooperatives, and food industry facilities.

The conference price includes visas, presentations, accommodation, meals, transportation, and admissions for all tours.

To view the USACC conference agenda and register, please visit the USASCC website.