Leaders from across the U.S. agriculture and food sectors are expressing their support and excitement for the new opportunities for collaboration with Cuba that were announced during President Obama’s historic visit to the island this month. The neighboring Caribbean nation shares common climate and agriculture related concerns with the U.S., and the measures announced today in Havana will mutually benefit the Cuban people and U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Havana with President Obama, and made an announcement that USDA will allow the 22 industry-funded Research and Promotion Programs and 18 Marketing Order Organizations to conduct authorized research and information exchange activities with Cuba. These groups represent U.S. beef, pork, corn soy and other commodities. They are responsible for creating bonds with consumers and businesses around the world in support of U.S. agriculture. Following today’s announcement, they will officially be able to engage in cooperative research and information exchanges with Cuba about agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable natural resource management.

“This is a significant step forward in strengthening our bond and broadening agricultural trade between the United States and Cuba,” said Secretary Vilsack.

Several food and agriculture groups, including leaders from several livestock and animal agriculture groups, have also expressed their support for the collaboration.

“AFIA is pleased with Secretary Vilsack’s announcement today that USDA will allow Research and Promotion Programs and Marketing Order activities in Cuba. This is the first step to the U.S. industry better understanding the Cuban market and to sharing vital information and expertise with Cuba on agriculture production. Once existing regulatory and financial hurdles and restrictions have been lifted, this foundation of knowledge sharing and relationship building will serve in providing greater opportunities for U.S. feed and pet food products to Cuba,” said Joel G. Newman, President & CEO, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) in a statement following Vilsack’s announcement.

“Cuba is a natural market for the products made by U.S. dairy companies. We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to further explore this potential new market,” said Connie Tipton, President & CEO, International Dairy Foods Association, in another statement following the announcement.