News Release
Contact:
Billi Hunt, executive director
bhunt@cultivationcorridor.org
515-294-1127 or 515-480-2394
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2026
AMERICA’S CULTIVATION CORRIDOR ANNOUNCES CULTIVATE 360 PROGRAM FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
New statewide industry education and professional development opportunity launches in 2026
A new statewide industry education and professional development program for professionals in the agriculture and food industries will launch in 2026. America’s Cultivation Corridor will host the Cultivate 360 program designed to deepen understanding of Iowa’s food and agriculture sector, polish leadership skills and expand professional networks.
“Cultivate 360 will provide a comprehensive, full-circle picture of our state’s leadership across food, agriculture and biosciences and take deep dives into key areas that are driving the industry,” said Billi Hunt, executive director of America’s Cultivation Corridor. “Agriculture is a powerhouse for our state’s economy and rural communities, so we are excited to launch a program that will strengthen leadership and build stronger networks among professionals in the sector.”
The application-based program will include four day-long sessions around the state with focused, immersive learning and connection opportunities. Programming will include presentations from industry experts, entrepreneurs and researchers; tours of production and research facilities; professional development workshops and networking events with cohort members, industry leaders and host community members.
A cohort of 40-50 established industry professionals will be selected for the inaugural year of the program with sessions scheduled in May, June, July and August.
Applications and more details can be found at www.CultivationCorridor.org. Industry professionals with 10 or more years of experience in food and agriculture industries are invited to apply. Priority deadline for applications is March 4.
America’s Cultivation Corridor is the premier region for agricultural bioscience research, development and entrepreneurship thanks to world class innovation and global leadership of Iowa’s individuals, organizations and companies. Investors and partners in the Corridor are working together to accelerate the development of new technologies, strengthen Iowa’s ag bioscience workforce, attract economic development, and connect the state’s leadership and resources with the world.
Stakeholder organizations of America’s Cultivation Corridor include Iowa State University, Corteva, Deere & Company, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Pork Producers, KENT WORLDWIDE, MidAmerican Energy, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Chevron and Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Iowa’s agriculture industry includes global leaders in all sectors — advanced manufacturing, agricultural processing, animal health, biobased processing and fuels, plant sciences, predictive agriculture 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. More information is available at CultivationCorridor.org, or by following on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and x.
America’s Cultivation Corridor
Focused on further developing and marketing the world-renowned agricultural and bioscience economy in Iowa, America’s Cultivation Corridor is building on a rich history of innovation to accelerate value-added agriculture business development by attracting companies, talent and capital from across the globe to the state. Representing a diverse public-private coalition of stakeholders including the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Iowa State University, nonprofits and private sector companies from across the region and state, America’s Cultivation Corridor is one of the nation’s foremost cluster-based economic development organizations. For more information, visit CultivationCorridor.org.