The United States could boost pork exports to Cuba by up to $28 million if travel and finance restrictions on Cuba are lifted, says Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes. Over the past year, U.S. producers shipped about $13.4 million of pork to Cuba. The policy change also would create about 6,000 additional jobs in the United States, according to a study conducted by Texas A&M University, which also found that total U.S. exports would increase by $365 million a year.

“Because of its proximity to Cuba — just 90 miles separate the countries — the United States is in position to capture a large share of the Cuban pork import market,” said Sam Carney, president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). “For the U.S. pork industry to remain successful and viable, we need new and expanded market access.”

Details: Dave Warner, Public Affairs, NPPC, 122 C St. NW, Suite #875, Washington, DC 20001. Tel: (202) 347-3600. Fax: (202) 237-5265.

Email: [email protected]. URL: www.nppc.org.