Havana, July 2 (RHC) –- Leaders from the National Corn Growers, North Dakota Barley Council, and U.S. Grains Council have visited Cuba recently to continue studying the market and the current barriers to increasing grain sales to the country. The trip came just before both countries announced their official re-establishment of diplomatic relations on Wednesday.

"Cuba could be a growing market for U.S. corn, but our own policies are standing in the way," said USGC Chairman Ron Gray, referring to the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba.

The grain industry groups visited with government officials in the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investments. Stops also included the Cuban port of Mariel and visits to rice and corn operations.