America's top food-producing state sent its first official agricultural trade mission to Havana last month to show its powdered milk and dairy products, as well as a wide array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, dates, rice and cotton, to the communist government.

California produces 400 types of farm products, and many specialized items -- including raisins, wine and almonds -- are produced in few other parts of America.

"We have a dozen products where we represent 95% of total U.S. production. There are many products that could do well here," said A.G. Kawamura, California's food and agriculture secretary.

Kawamura follows agricultural secretaries from 18 other states who have visited Cuba in recent years, and he acknowledges that California is behind many states in establishing major trade relationships here. Despite being America's largest generator of agricultural trade, his state shipped only $735,000 worth of farm products to Cuba in 2006, largely powdered milk, rice and wine.

Washington's embargo prevents U.S. tourists from visiting Cuba and prohibits nearly all trade. But a 2000 law allows the Cuban government to buy U.S. food and agricultural products in cash, and America has been the island's leading source of food and farm items since 2003.

Including shipping and logistical costs, Cuba imported $600 million worth of U.S. agricultural goods in 2007.

Kawamura said that U.S. states near Cuba had a natural trade advantage, but that California could supply some of the $180 million in products that Cuba imported from outside the U.S.

California's top sellers in Cuba would be products that can survive long shipping periods, such as processed tomatoes, and also more expensive items, Kawamura said.

Typical diets on the island include foods available through the government's ration program: rice, potatoes, beans, small amounts of meat and other basic goods. Fruits and vegetables often are luxuries. Although many Cubans receive funds sent by relatives in the U.S., few families are likely to have enough money for nuts or figs when the average monthly state salary is about $19.50.

Diplomats and other foreigners can already buy some U.S. specialty items such as Tabasco sauce, Heinz Ketchup and M&M chocolate candies at government-run Cuban supermarkets. But many U.S. goods are sold at triple their normal prices or higher, and in some cases gather dust on the shelves.

"California will have products that everyone can afford," Kawamura said. "Even if we will certainly have products that will be expensive to some."


(www.latimes.com)