An Iowa Ag leader hopes to build relationships and watch opportunities for the egg industry grow in China.
Kevin Stiles is Executive Director for the Iowa Egg Council and Iowa Poultry Association. Ben Nuelle spoke to Stiles before he departed for the first all-agriculture trade mission to China. Stiles said the two organizations hope to raise the profile for Iowa eggs and Iowa egg products in China.
?We know that there are efforts being made to open the poultry market to China, and we want to see if Iowa has an opportunity to take advantage of that,? Stiles said. ?We know that protein is in demand around the world, and China is included in that. As economies grow and mature, there?s no doubt that there?s an opportunity for protein, and there?s no more affordable or high-quality protein than eggs.?
Stiles said it is time for China to know where Iowa stands in egg production.
?We think most people already know about Iowa?s position in corn, soybeans, pork, and most recently, beef. We don?t think they probably realize we?re number one in egg production and have the leading, most sophisticated egg processing industry in the country, and perhaps in the world. We see this as an opportunity for us to really introduce Iowa eggs and egg products to China,? Stiles said.
Stiles participated in the first all-agriculture trade mission to China, led by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. The trade mission began July 19 and ended Friday.
