Jul 23, 2015

Will Maine send potatoes to Cuba?

Now that relations have been normalized between the United States and Cuba, will this be the first of a wave of trade opportunities for potato growers?

MPBN News has more:

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree both say Maine businesses should take advantage of the recent thaw in U.S.-Cuban relations to rebuild trade with the island nation – rebuild, they say, because it was once a robust relationship.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Maine had a booming trade with Cuba. Maine shipped ice harvested from its rivers and lumber from its forests to the growing country. Cuba shipped some fruit, but mostly sugar to be used in Maine refineries to make rum and other liquor.

“I had read an article that there was a shortage of potatoes in Cuba. And I said, ‘This is a problem I can solve for you, Mr. Vice President,’ ” Collins says. “I also talked with them about the possibility of importing blueberries, which I think would be very popular in Cuba.”

Collins agrees with Pingree that food exports to Cuba could be a boost to Maine’s economy, and at the same time help the Cubans with their long-time problems of food shortages. “I would love for the state of Maine to help solve the problem of food insecurity in Cuba.”

Both lawmakers say there are several bills pending in both the House and Senate that are aimed at normalizing the relationship between the two countries and restoring trade.

We will bring you more as the story develops.