Iowa exports some $5.3 billion in soybeans and corn, making agriculture trade an important part of the state’s economy.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recently toured the Landus Cooperative facility in Jefferson, Iowa, to get a better understanding of how the coop needs trade for their business and that of their farmer customers.
“Since Sept. 1, Landus have shipped nearly 15 million bushels of grain to Mexico, with nearly 2 million bushels from this location,” said Jason Petersen, location manager at the Jefferson coop.
According to Landus officials, a train is sent to Mexico every six days from one of its 10 Iowa locations.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, American food and agriculture exports to Canada and Mexico grew by 450 percent since 1994.
“NAFTA is critically important to Iowa, with Mexico and Canada being our top two trading partners,” Naig said. “We need NAFTA for Iowa agriculture.”
Many of the products Mexico and Canada get from Iowa cannot be procured from other places and Iowa’s infrastructure allows for good transportation to both countries, he added.
Petersen said Landus is impacted by any changes in trade policy as they export corn, soybeans, animal feed and dairy products and these exports impact many jobs.
“Trade policy is federal, but those representing Iowa must let the president know what we need and how it’s important for us and these agricultural products,” Naig said.
Grain from one in three rows of Iowa soybeans is exported to China. Naig said this is something that took time to develop, and needs to be continued.
“The farm bill is something we need for our trade. The House and Senate will have to come together to get this passed in a timely manner,” Naig said.
Jennifer Carrico can be reached at 515-833-2120 or [email protected].
