NY Ag commissioner leads delegation to Cuba

Friday, April 18, 2008 - 3:47 PM EDT
NY Ag commissioner leads delegation to Cuba
The Business Review (Albany)

New York Agriculture Commissioner Paul Hooker is leading a delegation of
New York farmers to Cuba in the state's first trade mission to the country.

Hooker says he plans to explore market opportunities during his visit
from April 21-23. The goal of the trip is to encourage the export of New
York fruits and vegetables to Cuba.

The delegation includes: Kevin King of Empire State Forest Products in
Rensselaer; John Cushing of New York Apple Sales in Castleton; and Lloyd
Zimmerman of Black Horse Farm Inc. of Coxsackie.

"Cuba relies on U.S. imports and has expressed a keen interest in New
York food and agricultural products," Hooker said.

He said the trip will give New York producers face-to-face meetings with
Cuban buyers.

New York is one of 26 states that have organized traded missions to
Cuba. Since 2000, U.S. companies have been allowed to sell agricultural,
food and medical products to the island. Cuba has purchased $2.7 billion
worth of agriculture and food products from U.S. companies in the past
seven years.

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