The first Global Exchange delegation to Cuba of 2004 returned home on January 21. Ten participants from the University of Montana went to Cuba as part of the Eco Cuba program, despite federal cancellation of Global Exchange's "People to People" license.

The Global Exchange-organized tour took place under the University of Montana's travel license and consisted of UM students and teachers. The tour even got support from Montana Democratic Senator, Max Baucus. "Global Exchange is a great program," stated Sen. Baucus. "I encourage students to get involved and travel to Cuba so they can learn how a good relationship between Cuba and the United States would be mutually beneficial."

The University of Montana study group spent 18 days traveling the island and learning about Cuba's sustainable agriculture policies through a series of site visits, meetings, conferences and academic exchanges -- engaging in dialogue with Cubans all along the way. Participants were able to gather first-hand knowledge about Cuba that is often sorely lacking in the United States. In particular, the visitors were impressed by Cuba's organic food production.

Josh Slotnick, Professor of Agriculture at the University of Montana, noted, "Organic farmers in Cuba are supported, not marginalized like in the U.S. Urban farms are a central part of Cuban neighborhoods, and a major part of modern Cuban culture and economy. It's inspirational."

Over the past 14 years Global Exchange has sent over 10,000 individuals to Cuba for humanitarian aid delegations and for educational, scientific and people-to-people exchanges. In March 2003 the Treasury Department cancelled the popular "people-to-people" licensing category, preventing Global Exchange and over 100 other US organizations from enabling the general public to travel to Cuba after December 31st, 2003.

Despite such obstacles, Global Exchange's Cuba Program is planning several more trips in 2004 for academics, professionals and licensed student groups. Delegations will focus on healthcare practices, education and community development. The Eco Cuba delegations focus specifically on environment and sustainable development.

"There is a strong interest among Americans in what Cuba is doing in natural resource management and environmental protection," said Rachel Bruhnke, Eco Cuba coordinator at Global Exchange. "We're seeing that it's mutually beneficial for Congresspeople and their constituent universities to cooperate on this issue as both parties benefit from unrestricted travel."

Global Exchange will continue to send Americans to Cuba as part of its campaign to educate people about the travel ban as well as the potential for Cuban and US cooperation on a range of issues. For more information about policy, individuals should contact Ana Perez at ana@globalexchange.org or at (415) 575 5521. Eco Cuba inquiries can contact Rachel Bruhnke at rachel@globalexchange.org or (415) 575 5531. ###