Mission to Cuba to coincide with fair

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is organizing a trade mission to Cuba to coincide with the International Trade Fair of Havana on Nov. 2-7.

“We hope that the new administration in Washington will ease or even lift many of the heavy-handed trade restrictions that have slowed or blocked exports of U.S. agricultural products,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, who will lead the delegation. “Since this trade show is where Cuba makes its food purchases for the entire year, it is important for North Dakota to have a strong presence.”

Johnson said that although November seems like a long way off, it is important for prospective exhibitors to indicate their interest to the department.

“Our marketing staff needs to hear from people who want to participate, so they can start the application process for an export license,” he said. “Having your name on the license does not obligate you to travel to Cuba, but due to the lengthy application process, it is best to have your name on the license early if you have any intentions of making the trip.”

The cost of the trip is estimated at about $2,000 for travel, lodging and food per person, but that figure does not include the cost of exhibiting at FIHAV.

“NDDA will decide on booth space for a North Dakota pavilion at the show,” he said. “Once we know the cost of display space, we can give prospective exhibitors a better estimate of what their costs will be.”

Johnson said interested companies should contact Stephanie Sinner, NDDA marketing specialist, for more information at 701-239-7211 or ssinner@nd.gov.

Tags: fair, cuba, news, food