Klobuchar, in Cuba, Says Opportunity for Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Sen. Amy Klobuchar says the Cuba market is ripe for increased exports from Minnesota farms and businesses.

The Democratic senator was part of a Senate delegation visiting the island nation this week to talk about expanding trade relationships. She is co-sponsoring legislation to relax restrictions against doing business with Cuba, as well as to lift a travel ban.

Klobuchar says she was struck by the number of small-business owners and entrepreneurs eager to do business. She said Minnesota could be sending more pork, poultry, corn and soybeans to Cuba, along with farm machinery and perhaps renewable energy technology.

Klobuchar says Minnesota could easily double its $20 million in annual agricultural exports if restrictions were lifted.