vdacs.virginia.gov
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Virginia’s secretary of agriculture and forestry says thawing relations with Cuba will likely mean more state agricultural exports to the people of the Communist regime, including non-farm products. Todd Haymore says he has cultivated relationships with Cuban officials. He visits Cuba annually, with an eye on better relations between the two nations. Virginia trails only Georgia and Louisiana in the value of farm exports to Cuba, which is less than a three-day sail from the Port of Virginia. Farm exports from Virginia to Cuba peaked two years ago at $60 million but have dipped to $40 million because of Cuba’s weakened economy. Soybeans, poultry and apples are the primary Virginia exports. A spokeswoman says Gov. Terry McAuliffe says he too hopes grow exports to Cuba.
