It is no secret that when many Americans think about farming, they tend to think about Iowa. The perception is the same around the globe. Iowa is a leader in agricultural products. We produce more biofuels, pork, and eggs than any other state. We are also high in corn, soybeans, and beef. This means that the demand for Iowa products is just as high. On Wednesday, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) hosted a webinar to highlight Iowa?s contribution to global trade.
It was fitting to have this global ag trade webinar on the day that the United States ? Mexico ? Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig addressed the group. He talked about the efforts being put forth to market our agricultural products globally. Iowa ranks second only California in exports of food and agriculture products.
Naig talked about the increasing global demand in the Ag sector. He said that despite the global pandemic, Iowa is poised to deliver on the changing needs of the global population.
Things aren?t necessarily where we thought they would be heading into 2020. After a few years of trade uncertainty, we finally had trade deals in place for agriculture with USMCA, Japan, and China. Naig says that we can at least feel good that those trade deals are in effect. They are going to be there when this global pandemic is over.
With the implementation of USMCA, Iowa stands to benefit. Canada and Mexico are Iowa?s two biggest customers.
To learn more about IEDA?s International Trade Office or schedule an individual consultation at no cost, visit https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/exports to connect with the appropriate International Trade Office Team member.
