Governor Kim Reynolds leads the state’s first all Ag trade mission to China Wednesday. Reynolds says she?s excited for the trip.
“The commodity groups are sponsoring the trip, and they?ve asked me to lead the trade mission,? Reynolds. ?China is an extremely important trade partner of our. The soybean contracts that were signed last week, I think, are an indication of the value of the trading relationship Iowa has with China.?
Members of the Iowa Soybean Association head to China with Governor Reynolds the first few days. Other commodity groups will meet up with the governor and Iowa Soybean members beginning next week.
Those groups include: Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa State Dairy Association, Iowa Cattlemen?s Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey will also accompany the group on the mission. Reynolds says the group would continue to build its relationships with China during the mission.
?We want to continue to build on the great relationship we have and look not only look for opportunities to maintain the existing footprint that we have in China, but look for opportunities to build and expand our markets,? Reynolds said. ?The commodity prices are low right now, and that is having an impact on state revenue and people?s purchasing habits. So we?re looking for opportunities to expand the markets for our farmers and direct investment into the State of Iowa, as well.?
The trade group plans to visit the cities of Shanghai, Shiyan and Beijing, as well as Ambassador to the People?s Republic of China Terry Branstad.
