Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says checkoff groups can promote U.S. agriculture in Cuba. While in Cuba with President Obama, Secretary Vilsack announced USDA will allow the 22 industry-funded Research and Promotion Programs and 18 Marketing Order organizations to conduct authorized research and information exchange activities with Cuba. These groups, which are responsible for creating bonds with consumers and businesses around the world, will be able to engage in cooperative research and information exchanges with Cuba about agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable natural resource management.

Scientists battling to increase wheat production by more than 60 percent over the next 35 years to meet projected demand are optimistic that they have begun to unravel the genetic mysteries that will lead to a more productive plant. A recent study conducted at 26 international sites with a new generation of improved wheat breeding lines crossed and selected for superior traits, resulted in yields that were on average 10 percent higher than other wheat varieties.

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