By Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Dean Coleman, president, Iowa
Soybean Association-
We were privileged to lead a trade mission to China March
16-27. The purpose of the trip, sponsored by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA),
was to strengthen relationships with key customers of U.S. soybeans and
cultivate new market opportunities for U.S. and Iowa farmers.
Our visit to the world’s most populous country was extremely
timely. It occurred just weeks after Iowa hosted China Vice President Xi
Jinping for a series of meetings and the signing of the largest one-time
soybean purchase. This historic visit arose from a relationship forged nearly
30 years ago between Gov. Terry Branstad and Vice President Xi, who, at that
time, was the head of a feed industry group in China.
In addition to reaffirming the importance of personal
relationships, our visit to China and Thailand cemented our shared belief that
agriculture and food security are fundamental to building and sustaining
strong, bilateral partnerships.
Shortly after arriving in China, we were warmly received by
Vice President Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. After expressing
his heartfelt appreciation for Iowa’s hospitality, he encouraged ISA and the
State of Iowa to build deeper relationships with sub-national governments. The
Vice President cited the success of U.S. agricultural exports to China
(particularly soybeans) as a catalyst in this effort.
Iowa farmers produce more than 460 million bushels of
soybeans annually. More than 50 percent of this production is exported. China
is the world’s largest soybean importer, consuming one of every four rows of
our domestic soybean production. If the United States fulfilled China’s entire
demand for soy, it would amount to more than 70 percent of our nation’s 3
billion bushel soybean harvest.
With that example in mind, we shared our desire for China to
see Iowa and the United States as partners in their aggressive goals to improve
food safety, security and sustainability. Chinese officials embraced our
message and encouraged Iowa to join them in meeting these challenges in
countries around the globe.
As we reflect on our trip, we’re convinced that success in
trade can only be obtained when both sides have something to gain and difficult
issues are resolved based on trust and mutual respect.
We have an unprecedented opportunity to help countries meet
their need for food and to improve the human condition. Iowa’s investment in
nurturing global trade is one reason our state’s economy remains resilient.
When we engage the global community, we benefit by selling more agricultural
commodities, farm equipment and value added products.
At the same time, we have a responsibility to share the
positive outcomes of strong, bilateral relationships. While our nation’s trade
deficit with China is well-publicized, agriculture’s positive influence
provides a glimpse of what can be achieved when shared areas of need are
addressed.
Our agriculture trade relationship with China is like the
ballast in a giant ship moving across the ocean’s rolling waves. From time to
time, the waters will become choppy and the ship will list. But with trade,
agriculture and sub-national cooperation as its ballast, we’ll stay the course
and improve the quality of life for Iowans, the people of China and our
neighbors around the world.
The Iowa Soybean Association develops policies and programs
that help farmers expand profit opportunities while promoting environmentally
sensitive production using the soybean checkoff and other resources. The
Association is made up of 10,000 farmer members and is governed by an elected
volunteer board of 21 farmers.
Funded by the soybean checkoff.
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