Dr. Mike Strain, the Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, discusses his recent trip to Cuba and the potential for agricultural trade between the two countries. During his previous visit, he was part of a group of seven commissioners exploring opportunities. Now, he is returning with a smaller, tight-knit group to meet directly with private individuals in Cuba.
Cuba’s rice production is limited, with yields of less than 2000 pounds per acre due to factors like lack of modern equipment and pesticides. They import the majority of their food, including rice, poultry, and other essentials. While Vietnam currently supplies rice to Cuba, Dr. Strain aims to sell shiploads of rice from the United States. The goal is to provide a better product at a fair price and connect buyers from the shelf to Cuban consumers.