Cuba trading with Alabama

Just a small piece from the Miami Herald about how Alabama and Cuba are doing business, given the very limited opportunities offered by the U.S. government (in particular, the transaction has to be done with cash prepayment--no credit--and can only be agricultural or medical goods).

HAVANA -- Cuba agreed Wednesday to buy another $20 million in agricultural goods from Alabama, among several U.S. farm states still pushing for more trade with the communist-run island despite tightened U.S. restrictions.
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks told a news conference that his southern state's relationship with Cuba in recent years had been ``extremely important to the farmers of Alabama.''

This is another fascinating example of how U.S.-Cuban relations create very odd bedfellows. Alabama business organizations have been arguing for more trade with Cuba, especially for catfish, forest products, poultry, peanuts, and cotton. Googling "alabama trade cuba" brought a surprising number of hits, including open calls to end the embargo.

This is a Republican state, not one you would expect to be pushing hard to restore ties, but even many conservatives are beginning to wonder whether U.S. Cuba policy is worthwhile.