USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack led a Congressional delegation to Cuba last week. This was the first official USDA trip to Cuba since 1961.

Vilsack says, “Food and agricultural goods are the dominant U.S. exports to Cuba, and agriculture can serve as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas.”

Those traveling with Vilsack were Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Congressmen Terri Sewell (D-AL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR).

Cuba currently imports approximately $300 million in U.S. agricultural products, or 16% of Cuba’s agricultural imports.