First U.S. Ship Arrives in Cuba, Signals Start of Improved Relations
HAVANA, CU – In a historic move 50 years in the making, the first U.S. ship finally docked in a Cuban harbor this morning. Carnival cruise ship, The Adonia, brought 700 passengers from Miami, FL, to the Havana shores in increased relations between the two countries.
In a statement to CNN, the cruise manager asserted that this voyage marked "the beginning of a new era,” after relations between the U.S. and Cuba were restored last year.
So what does this mean for the U.S. and Cuba trade market, and will Cuba's current infrastracture be able to support its economic endeavors?
"Particularly, agriculture's leading the effort because we see the wisdom of doing business with the Cubans, so I think it's just a matter of time," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, in a statement to Michigan news source, MichiganRadio.org, after recently touring Cuban farms.
As Cuba averages about 70-80 percent of its food needs being imported per year, Texas-based news publication, The Alice Echo, reported that in 2014 alone, the U.S. exported nearly $300 million in goods.
Michiganradio.org also reported intriguing prospects for Cuba as a new U.S. market. Limited access to up-to-date technology and other input resources have left Cuban farmers with low productivity, resulting in the high import rate for the country.
As Cuba continues to struggle with its agricultural needs in the country, ag experts report that this continued struggle in Cuba to meet its farming needs, presents a viable opportunity for U.S. farmers and suppliers to aid the country in its requirements.
A recent approval by the U.S. government for the first American-built factory on Cuban soil, also indicates possibilities of a trade market. The factory, CleBur, is a joint venture between Cuban and American businessmen which will provide tractors for farmers, and increase the solidity of the country's current economic infrastructure.
However, according to MichiganRadio.org, officials agree that the first step in reaching continued trade agreements with Cuba is improving relations between citizens of both country, which allow for increased yields for Cubans and Americans alike.
Only time will tell the future of trade relations between Cuba and the U.S., so continue to rely on AndNowUKnow as we report on the state of the agricultural market between the countries.
Engles joined Markon in June 2006 after graduating from St. Mary’s College, most recently serving as the company’s Product Manager. In this position, he oversaw the purchasing of Northwest commodities such as apples, onions, pears, and potatoes, holding responsibility for growing produce sales by establishing markets, providing commodity updates, servicing customers and suppliers, and fostering and building relationships. 
“At Markon, we strive to be indispensable to our partners,” explained Mark Shaw, Markon’s Vice President of Operations, in a statment. “Andrew helps us live this value through his dedication to doing a top notch job day in and day out. He has the critical skillset needed to lead and grow our purchasing department and meet our foodservice customers’ diverse and always-changing purchasing needs.” 
David Sargent, who developed the plan for the project following a series of charettes and workshops organized by Penrod, Locacciato, and the community, commented, "Santa Paula has a rich history and citizens who are passionate about their town. Our job was to devise a plan and form-based code to shape new neighborhoods that reflect Santa Paula's authenticity and character and the sustainable place-making principles of New Urbanism."
“Food safety is a hot topic right now,” Heriberto told us as he surveyed the floor scene. A topic that Triple H has expanded on with its own three step program, called Safe Agriculture for Food Excellence (SAFE).
Four years ago, Blue Apron CEO and Co-Founder, Matt Salzberg, found himself experiencing this increasingly common problem. "The idea for Blue Apron really just came from a personal need that my Co-Founder and I had in our own lives," he explained in a recent interview with Forbes. "We wanted to cook at home more often, we wanted to try new ingredients and new recipes, but we found it really expensive and difficult to go shop for everything at all the different stores."
“Bee Sweet Citrus is a one-stop-shop for all citrus commodities,” explained Berberian in a press release. “Through our import program, we are able to provide our consumers with a variety of products – regardless of the season.”
“All imported product, once off-loaded at the port, is trucked straight to our facility where it’s re-graded to ensure the highest quality,” added Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative, Anders Skooglund. “Additionally, we offer our customers the ability to repack and reconfigure the fruit to any specific pack style that they may want during these months.” 
“I’m proud to be a part of a company constantly striving for the best in quality, while remaining focused on an unwavering commitment to giving back,” said Zeutenhorst in a statement. Zeutenhorst has been a leader in the Washington produce industry for 36 years and has worked for FirstFruits since 2001.
“The lettuce market was reflective of this as we saw prices fall below break-even cost during this time and, in some instances, growers had to disc lettuce, which they could not harvest in time,” John explains, stating that both Salinas and Huron crops were ready sooner than had been planned.