Newspaper

Alabama’s poultry industry is one of the nation’s strongest. From fryers to eggs, farmers across the state have made a tremendous impact on the economy, including here in Cullman County which constantly rates among the top broiler and laying flock producing counties in the state.

As the United States renews diplomatic relations with Cuba, a country just a short sail from Mobile Bay, poultry farmers and state agriculture officials are anxious to expand the market even further. Carrying a $15 billion statewide industry into new territory would likely add to the 86,000 people who find employment in Alabama through the poultry industry. For farmers, a greater ability to export their products to Cuba would strengthen an already viable industry well into the future.

The United States was long at odds with Cuba dating back to the 1950s when communist leader Fidel Castro led a revolt that toppled a government that was ineffective for the people of the island nation. At that time in history, the Cold War was well entrenched and represented a tense rivalry between communist-led nations and free countries. But those days are past.

Cuba’s move to communism more than a half-century ago left it isolated in a part of the world that has been dominated by the United States and its government of the people. Like many countries south of the United States, the people of Cuba were largely lacking economic opportunities. Communism may have seemed a better option at one time for Cuba, but it wasn’t.

Many Cubans found their way to the U.S. through the years and became immensely successful. Our connection to Cuba goes back many years before the rise of Castro. It is time to renew relations.

Opening the door to a healthy business exchange will be good for the U.S. and Cuba. The rich agricultural bases such as Cullman County would provide welcome additions of food for Cubans and build the foundation for a new partnership that strengthens relationships in our hemisphere.

Old political views should not hold up the proposal to loosen trade restrictions with Cuba. The age of the Cold War is long past and Cuba should have the chance to trade more freely with the U.S. so that our nations grow closer, not adrift in fears and obsolete issues of the past.