An Iowa agriculture leader hopes to make various connections and bring home the fruits of Iowa?s nine commodity groups? labor following the first all-agriculture trade mission to China.
Craig Hill is the President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Ben Nuelle spoke to Hill shortly before his departure to China. During their conversation, Hill stated the importance of the agriculture mission.
?Trust building is incredibly important with the Chinese,? Hill said. ?We have a lot to offer the world, in Iowa. We are a major producer of a number of commodities. China is looking for a predictable and dependable partner to supply product to their very growing population, and a population that is becoming increasingly wealthier. So (we need to) illustrate to them our willingness to work with them, and supply and provide them (with) the confidence necessary for them to want to trade with us.?
Hill said China is an incredible market for not only agriculture, but for Iowa producers as well.
?It is a market that is going to be growing, and I think potentially more so for corn,? Hill said. ?Their need for soybeans is incredible, but I soon think they?ll need our corn products, and they?re currently buying our DDG products. These sales are incredible to our economy. With livestock, such as cattle, hogs, eggs, poultry and dairy, all of these protein products are going to be needed by Chinese citizens increasingly.?
