In a letter to the Florida congressional delegation (PDF, 295KB), Vern Buchannan and Alcee Hastings, Putnam argues that any relaxation in trade and commerce “will have a disproportionately negative effect on the state of Florida generally and Florida’s $120 billion agriculture industry specifically.”
Putnam cites the potential for exotic pests and disease to migrate with Cuban commodities, since Cuba is lacking in sanitary and phytosanitary programs and resources to suppress plant pests and diseases. These pests and diseases could pose threats to Florida’s environment and agricultural industry and weaken natural resources. Putnam states Florida’s ports are already presenting pests and disease invasions that are costly for the industry to fight. Recent infestations to Florida groves have included citrus canker, citrus black spot and citrus greening, which Putnam says has the potential to eliminate Florida’s citrus crop at a $10.8 billion industry loss accompanied by its 62,000 employees.
Putnam also mentions threats to the avocado production due to laurel wilt, which was introduced through the ports of trade, in addition to the giant African land snail that has become an invasive pest.
Putnam says, “While many segments of the U.S. economy seem to be swept up in the tide of commercial interests and the lure of visiting this forbidden island nation, the stark realities of any potential gain for the United States, and Florida particularly, is significantly outweighed by the negative effects likely from the liberalization of longstanding policy toward Cuba.”
In addition to the concerns for Florida’s agriculture, Putnam also cites national security concerns and reminds the delegation that original sanctions were placed upon a government that had brutally oppressed its people and was on the verge of collapse, which has a detrimental effect on U.S. security interests. FG