Agricultural trade with Cuba held up

[Judi Lynn]

Article Published: Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 2:15:42 AM EST

Agricultural trade with Cuba held up

By The Associated Press

BRATTLEBORO (AP) -- The state's agricultural trade agreement with Cuba is being threatened by new regulations and visa delays.

In November, the state signed a deal to sell powdered milk, apples and cows to the Caribbean nation. The powdered milk, which comes from a national pool, began being shipped last month, according to Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Steve Kerr.

But Cuban farmers, who were to travel to Vermont, as well as to New York and Maine, to pick out the apples, could not get their visas in time. Kerr said the Cubans informed him last week that they have decided to wait until next year. Visa problems also are holding up the deal to send 50 Jerseys and 50 Holsteins to Cuba. Cuban inspectors have been trying to travel to Vermont for a number of months but they cannot secure the necessary documents, Kerr said.

"The Bush people are playing this game and it is making commerce difficult for Vermont farmers," said Kerr.
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