DES MOINES, IOWA (March 11, 2019) — Governor Kim Reynolds today signed an official proclamation declaring the week of March 10 through 16, 2019, as Agriculture Innovation Week in Iowa. The proclamation recognizes the critical role that agriculture plays in the state's communities and economy, and that Iowa's agricultural leadership is dependent on a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, with more than 1 in 5 jobs in the state connected to agricultural industries. Agriculture Innovation Week also recognizes the celebration of National Ag Day on Thursday, March 14, 2019. "Agriculture is the backbone of our state's economy. Iowa's innovative farmers and robust agribusinesses are increasing productivity, improving soil health and water quality through technology and conservation practices," said Gov Reynolds. "Ingenuity and agriculture go hand-in-hand. We're modernizing our ag infrastructure and supporting entrepreneurial opportunities in our rural communities. That's how Iowa is and will remain a leader in feeding and fueling the world." Iowa's agriculture industry includes global leaders in all sectors — 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's diverse agriculture industry is present in every county in our state. I'm excited about our leadership position in the country and around the world," said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. "No other place has the combination of established industry leaders, promoting new startups and cutting-edge farmers ready to put new data to work." The proclamation also recognizes 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. "Iowa has long been known for leadership in agricultural production and key industries, and now the state is increasingly recognized as one of the top locations for new, innovative companies in agriculture," said Billi Hunt, executive director of America's Cultivation Corridor. "If you are wanting to develop a new technology, bring a new idea to reality, or make a difference in any sector of agriculture and enjoy a top-notch quality of life, Iowa is the place to be." The proclamation was signed at 2:00PM at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. In addition to staff of the Cultivation Corridor, representatives from Iowa Pork, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Technology Association of Iowa, Iowa Biotechnology Association, Iowa Business Council, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and Young Professionals in Agriculture, as well as a number of agribusiness professionals and representatives of Iowa's start-up and entrepreneur ecosystem and leaders in Iowa's economic-development work. About 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 Chamber of Commerce, Iowa State University, nonprofits and private-sector companies from across the region and state, the Cultivation Corridor is one of the nation's foremost cluster-based economic development organizations. For more information, visit CultivationCorridor.org.
