Naig: Visits from USDA Leaders Provide Opportunities to Highlight Important Issues in Iowa Agriculture
DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 8, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joined two senior officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at stops in central Iowa today to raise awareness about some of the most pressing issues facing the Iowa agriculture community.
“USDA leaders have made several visits to Iowa over the past few months to survey the damage caused by the drought and derecho. I am proud of our partnership with USDA and appreciate the ongoing support they have shown our farmers,” said Secretary Naig. “These visits provide opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that underscore the topics that are important to our farmers and the resources they need for recovery and profitability.”
Support for Renewable Fuels
Secretary Naig visited a Casey’s General Store in Ankeny where U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the USDA is making a significant investment in Iowa’s renewable fuels industry through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The biofuels program provides funding to help fuel blenders and retailers install and convert storage tanks and pumps to sell higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.
“An investment in renewable fuels is an investment in Iowa. The industry creates tens of thousands of jobs, additional markets for our corn and soybean producers to sell their grain, and cleaner-burning, more affordable fuels for Iowa consumers,” said Secretary Naig. “I want to thank the Trump administration and Secretary Perdue for their continued support of the biofuels industry and the Iowa agriculture community.”
Iowa is the nation’s leading renewable fuels producer. The industry contributes more than $5 billion to the state’s economy and supports more than 48,000 jobs, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
Crop Insurance Coverage
Secretary Naig met with USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Martin Barbre and a small group of farmers affected by the derecho. In addition to touring farms that sustained damage during the storm, the leaders held a roundtable with the farmers to discuss crop insurance coverage needs and challenges. The event, held at Key Coop in Nevada, allowed farmers to share their experiences working with their insurance adjusters following the derecho. Several farmers also detailed how the drought- and derecho-damaged crops are affecting this year’s harvest.
“During the first several weeks following the derecho, I traveled around the state talking with farmers about the damage sustained to their fields and grain bins,” said Secretary Naig. “We anticipated the downed crops might create some issues during harvest but it’s very impactful to hear first-hand accounts of the challenges farmers are facing. I’m glad Administrator Barbre and I were able to participate in these conversations to gain a better understanding of what’s happening in the fields. I will continue working alongside the USDA to identify solutions and get farmers the support they need as they continue their recovery efforts.”