U.S. agriculture coalition meets in Havana despite Trump crackdown

U.S. Paul Johnson, co-chair of the U.S. Agricultural Coalition for Cuba, speaks during an interview at a hotel in Havana, Cuba, November 8, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

HAVANA (Reuters) - Representatives of U.S. agribusiness, the farming lobby and related industries opened a three-day conference in Cuba on Thursday aimed at increasing sales and cooperation with a country that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly lambasted and promised to tighten sanctions on.

The U.S. Agricultural Coalition for Cuba, which seeks increased trade with Cuba and the lifting of the trade embargo, is sponsoring the event.