Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - The South Dakota Farm Bureau welcomed the joint announcement from US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro that the two nations will restore diplomatic ties after 50 years of hostility. Scott Vanderwall says it’s not just about marketing South Dakota’s meat and grain products, the improved relations could actually go a long way towards improving the quality of life for those living in Cuba as well.
“it increases exports of South Dakota and American products down to Cuba, with the hope and expectation that in return for that, it would help out their people and raise their standard of living” said Vanderwall. He expects that the market for wheat, corn, and soybeans would be the first to be shipped to Cuba, with pork and beef exports picking up as the quality of live improves.
Vanderwall said any new market is a good market for South Dakota products, but this situation offers the unique opportunity to reach out to a group of people that have suffered for many years under their government. While some Cuban-Americans see it as a reward for the corrupt government of the country, Vanderwall says “anytime you shut off a country, it hurts their people first; it does not necessarily hurt the leaders. We see this also as a humanitarian effort.”
The USA first cut ties with Cuba during the cold war, when Russian missiles were stationed on the island nation.