Idaho Potato Commission Opening Doors to Cuba

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) was recently part of a delegation of 35 Idahoans, including Governor C.L. 'Butch' Otter, who traveled to Cuba to meet with government officials to discuss trade opportunities between Cuba and Idaho. The Commission focused primarily on ways to sell fresh and/or processed Idaho Potatoes into Cuba as potatoes are an important staple in the Cuban diet.

?One of the IPC?s overall strategies to is expand distribution of Idaho Potato products to all areas around the globe and this Cuban mission was an important step in helping to open forays to this country that has been, for so long, off limits to American exports,? said Frank Muir, President and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. ?The good news is that there is great interest from the Cubans in importing Idaho Potatoes, specifically seed potatoes and frozen French Fries. It?s not going to happen overnight as there are still many governmental challenges, which will hopefully become resolved with time.?

Other Idaho industries represented on this mission included: wheat, beef, dairy, pork, and medical supplies. Several universities were represented along with the Idaho Department of Agriculture.