A group of California lawmakers and farmers are headed to Cuba Monday on a trade mission. Valley Public Radio’s Ezra David Romero reports on how the Valley could benefit.
In response to the Obama administrations hope to better relations with the island nation, state leaders like Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Henry T.Pereaare leading a trip to Cuba. They hope to increase Valley exports and commodities into the country.
PEREA: “I really think there is an opportunity for our growers to create a new market, all the while creating new jobs. I’m real excited about the opportunity.”
Farmers, agriculture professors from Fresno State, and other leaders like Bakersfield Democrat Assemblyman Rudy Salas will be on the trip. Perea says the trip will last four days and is full of meetings with growers, government officials and import leaders.
PEREA: “Success is coming home with a clear understanding of what it takes for our Valley growers to do business there.”
The trip is organized by the non-profit group Californians Building Bridges and is being paid for independently and by political campaign funds.
