Texas Ag Commissioner Visits Cuba

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples plans to lead a 24-person delegation to Cuba later this month to promote trade.

''This is a great opportunity to build long-lasting trade relationships with Cuba,'' Staples said Wednesday.

Among those joining Staples on the trip are farmers, ranchers, commodity suppliers and port representatives. Staples' office said he is the first Texas statewide elected official to visit Cuba on state business in more than 45 years.

The delegation will be in Cuba May 27-31 and will meet with government officials who procure agricultural products. Staples' group also will visit three farms to identify food needs.