Governor Declares Agriculture Innovation Week In Iowa

Governor Kim Reynolds today signed an official proclamation declaring the week of March 22 through 28, 2021, as Agriculture Innovation Week in Iowa.

The proclamation recognizes Iowa’s leadership role in agriculture and the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that drives the agriculture industry, rural communities and farm families around the state. The proclamation acknowledges the leadership of Iowa farm families in adopting new technologies and management practices to produce food, fuel and other products more efficiently and sustainably than ever before.

Agriculture Innovation Week also recognizes the celebration of National Ag Day on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. “Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy. Iowa’s farmers and industry-leading agribusinesses are using technology to increase sustainability and improve water quality and soil health through conservation practices,” said Gov. Reynolds. “This innovative ecosystem allows for modernization of our ag infrastructure and connects rural communities to entrepreneurial opportunities. That is how Iowa continues to lead in feeding and fueling the growing world.”
 
Even with the unprecedented challenges of 2020, the ag industry remains resilient and dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability forward.

“For as long as Iowans have been farming, we’ve been innovating. The agriculture community is resilient and when we face challenges, we get creative to help our neighbors in need,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “There are smart, innovative farmers, landowners and business owners all over the state who are working on solutions that will help the agriculture community be more productive and sustainable in the future.”

Iowa’s agriculture industry includes global leaders in all sectors who have continued to grow and persevere during an incredibly challenging year— advanced manufacturing, agricultural processing, animal health, plant sciences, predictive agriculture, renewable fuels, and more — as well as start-up companies with new technologies that will boost productivity, animal care and sustainability for farmers in Iowa and around the world.

“Iowa has a rich heritage of fostering an environment that not only develops new innovations, but also connects Iowans to global leaders to bring in new ideas and technologies,” said Billi Hunt, executive director of America’s Cultivation Corridor. “Today, that leadership continues as innovators come to Iowa in order to collaborate, connect, and solve issues that benefit farmers and consumers and overall enhance the agricultural industry around the world.”

The proclamation was signed at 1:45 p.m. at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. In addition to staff and board members of the Cultivation Corridor, representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, as well as members from Future Farmers of America.