By Andi Anderson
As autumn settles over Iowa, the season brings not only harvest activity and football excitement but also new opportunities for global collaboration.
One major highlight this fall was Governor Kim Reynolds’ trade and investment mission to India, a trip that marked a meaningful step toward building stronger international partnerships for Iowa agriculture.
The Iowa delegation included Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and 20 other leaders representing Iowa’s agricultural sector. Their visit focused on strengthening trade relations with India, a nation that holds immense potential as a growing market for U.S. corn and bio-based products.
India is the world’s fourth-largest feed producer and has the largest dairy herd globally. The country could import more than 700,000 metric tons of U.S. distiller’s dried grains (DDGS) each year and is already one of the top importers of U.S. ethanol.
However, trade barriers and regulatory challenges have limited market access — making missions like this crucial for progress.
“This mission allowed Iowa leaders to build relationships, explore new markets, and promote Iowa’s reputation as a reliable agricultural partner,” said Naig. The discussions centred on developing pathways to increase exports of U.S. corn, ethanol, and related products while encouraging technical exchange between nations.
In September, Iowa also hosted an India trade delegation, offering a firsthand look at corn harvest operations and the advanced technology Iowa farmers use to produce high-quality crops for global markets.
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) continues to play a vital role in expanding global demand for Iowa corn. Through partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation, ICPB invests in programs that grow export markets and enhance Iowa’s role in international agriculture.
By connecting with India and other key partners, Iowa strengthens its global footprint — ensuring that its farmers remain at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and opportunity in world agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Iowa, Business, Government & Policy