Cuba agrees to buy 500,000 tons of U.S. wheat

Cuba agrees to buy 500,000 tons of U.S. wheat    The Cuban government’s food import agency Alimport has agreed to buy 500,000 tons of U.S. wheat in 2006.
   The purchases are subject to competitive pricing, delivery and other applicable terms.
   U.S. Wheat Associates, an export market development organization, negotiated the deal on behalf of American growers.
   For 10 years, the U.S. wheat industry has been working to establish relations with Cuba. In coordination with its member state wheat commissions, U.S. Wheat Associates initially facilitated wheat flour donations in the mid-1990s though humanitarian groups working in Cuba. After three years of meetings between the organization and Cuban officials, Cuba was ready to buy U.S. wheat in 2001.
   According to U.S. Wheat Associates, Cuba has become the largest U.S. wheat consumer in the Caribbean, buying 1.6 million metric tons since trade resumed. Cuba is primarily a buyer of hard red winter wheat. The country also buys some hard red spring wheat and durum.