WASHINGTON - (AP) -- The State Department denied a U.S. visa to the head of Cuba's food import agency in March because he lobbied against American policy during  his last visit, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday.

  The visa denial drew criticism from Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who suggested that the action eliminated an opportunity for farmers to increase food exports.

  `A LITTLE MIFFED'

  ''I'm a little miffed about this,'' Dorgan told Powell during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

  He said the action caused angst among farmers who face collapsing prices for their harvests. Powell said Pedro Alvarez, who heads the Alimport agency, acted in
  violation of the terms of his U.S. visa when he spent part of his time during his last visit drumming up opposition to U.S. policies.

  In any case, Powell said, the presence of Alvarez is not necessary for food sales to Cuba to take place.

  While the U.S. embargo against Cuba remains intact, Congress decided in 2000 to allow food sales to Cuba on a cash basis.

  Dorgan said a State Department official told a member of his staff that the administration does not encourage food sales to Cuba.

  SALES TO CUBA

  Powell said he had never heard of such a policy, adding that he was pleased that the sales have taken place. He said he believes additional sales should be encouraged  so long as American farmers benefit and the sales are consistent with U.S. law.

  Dorgan said Cuban purchases have totaled about $70 million since last fall.

  The farm bureau said the cancellation of Alvarez's visa will adversely affect U.S. sales of corn, rice, wheat, poultry, soybeans, apples, dried peas, lentils and eggs,
  valued at $35 million.