WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba, made up of various agricultural organizations and companies, is interested in ending a 55-year-old trade embargo with Cuba, which could create challenges for Florida growers.
The potential competition fuels concerns about government subsidies and disease from importation that may effect Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry.
Agricultural economist Bill Messina said resuming trade with Cuba will have the most impact on Florida agriculture than any single event in the history of Florida. The embargo termination will pose a threat to small businesses like Jack McRae’s Century Oak Groves in Micanopy, Florida.
