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Changes in Cuba policy could affect Michigan’s huge black bean industry

Elizabeth McCabe
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Michigan is a leading producer of black beans.

President Trump has throttled back on travel and trade with Cuba. 

"Therefore, effective immediately, I am cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," President Trump said last Friday to a cheering crowd in Miami.

Among the business groups watching that announcement with intense interest was the Michigan Bean Commission, which produces the beans that are a staple of the Cuban diet.

Joe Cramer, executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission, told Stateside how Michigan bean growers have traded with Cuba in the past and what might be in store for them under the new policy.

“While we see it as a bit of a setback, we are not sure that it totally shuts the door,” Cramer said.

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