Gov. Hutchinson excited about trade mission to Cuba [View all]

During a (National Rice Month) proclamation ceremony at the state Capitol, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) told rice growers that politics have limited trade with Cuba in the past, but “I think all of that’s changing.”
The “first step” to increasing trade is making financing possible, the governor said.
“I think there’s really some opportunity there,” he said, adding that he is excited to visit Cuba next week.

Arkansas is the top rice-producing state in the nation. The rice industry contributes more than $6 billion annually to the state’s economy and employs nearly 25,000 Arkansans, according to the Arkansas Rice Federation.

This year, Arkansas farmers will produce more than 50 percent of the nation’s rice for the first time in history, the federation said.

http://swtimes.com/business/hutchinson-tells-rice-growers-he-s-eager-cuba-trip#sthash.ulsRSaoa.dpuf