Iowa Ag Secretary Naig Outlines Key Priorities

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented key legislative priorities for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship during a testimony to the Iowa House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee. The budget proposal emphasizes fiscal responsibility, taxpayer respect, and the ability to address key priorities. Secretary Naig highlighted the importance of the Department's work in accelerating water quality and conservation, developing markets for Iowa products, and preventing foreign animal diseases in the livestock industry.

Some of the specific priorities mentioned in Secretary Naig's testimony include:

Accelerating Water Quality and Conservation:

• Iowa aims to break records for conservation and water quality practice adoption annually.
• Request for dedicated financial support to continue accelerating water quality work and implementing the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

Protecting Iowa’s Valuable Livestock Industry:

• Emphasis on preventing, preparing for, and responding to devastating foreign animal diseases.
• Recognition of the critical role of the livestock industry in Iowa's economy, particularly in rural areas.

Building Choose Iowa, Our State’s Signature Brand:

• Choose Iowa is the state’s brand for locally produced food and agricultural products.
• Focus on building markets for Iowa farmers and providing consumers with more local food and beverage choices.
• Plans to enhance marketing and promotion capacity to make the program popular among both Iowans and visitors.

Promoting Market Access and Consumer Savings via Renewable Fuels:

• Continued support for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program.
• This program provides cost-share funding to assist fuel retailers in installing the necessary infrastructure to dispense higher blends of Iowa ethanol and biodiesel.
• Aiming to benefit consumers by providing greater access to lower-cost biofuels.

Secretary Naig emphasized the collaborative partnership with Governor Reynolds and the Legislature, acknowledging their support in making progress on these priorities. The overall goal is to address the needs of Iowans while maintaining fiscal responsibility and ensuring the Department's ability to carry out its crucial functions.

Photo Credit:istock-alenamozhjer