Last week's trade mission to Cuba was held to open doors for ag trade but it may yield something even more permanent: an Illinois ag trade office in Cuba.

"Illinois agriculture has great potential in Cuba and we can't maximize it because of the embargo," says Paul Johnson, executive director of the Illinois Cuba Working Group. "Illinois soybean and corn exports have dropped from $66 million in 2008 to $24 million last year. We can't afford to lose out on these opportunities and having an office where we can conduct direct business is essential."

Last week's trade mission was made up of a bipartisan delegation that included U.S. Representatives Rodney Davis, R-Ill., and Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., to explore next steps in opening trade between the two countries, including a permanent space where Illinois agricultural organizations can conduct business.

Representatives from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Soybean Growers, The Maschoffs, AGCO, ADM, Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois also joined the group.

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During the Oct. 11 to 14 visit, delegates met with representatives from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation, Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cuban Ministry of Agriculture, U.S Embassy, Alimport and business leaders. They also toured farms, cooperatives and local private markets.

"The goal of this mission was to continue opening up agricultural trade with Cuba, which creates jobs and opportunities for the state of Illinois," says Daryl Cates, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Growers.

Although the U.S. is currently allowed to export agricultural products to Cuba, the embargo is causing Illinois to lose market share to South American and other competitors, Johnson said.

With the exception of sugar and pork, domestic consumption of most major agricultural commodities exceeds production in Cuba.

Related: After Cuba trip, ag groups convinced embargo should be lifted

ICWG strives to form strategic relationships in order to amend the Trade Sanction and Reform Act in a way that would:

• Establish an agricultural trade office in Cuba as a show of commitment and to facilitate and assist with communication and market entry.

• Allow U.S. export promotion and assistance to U.S. agricultural commodities going to Cuba.

• Permit U.S. food companies the ability to negotiate trade terms with Cuba.