(BOONE) – During the Farm Progress Show in Boone today, Gov. Branstad outlined his goals for growing Iowa’s agricultural economy.
The proposal can be found here: http://governorbranstad2010.com/assets/ready-to-grow.pdf
Branstad noted that agriculture is in the business of nourishing bodies and a major engine for job creation and economic growth. In 1983, with Iowa in the depth of an agricultural recession, its 115,000 farmers produced economic value of $1.98 billion on 33.7 million acres of farmland. Today, Iowa’s 92,600 farmers are producing crops and livestock on 30.8 million acres.
“In 2008, this engine of economic growth created $26.3 billion in agriculture production value in the state,” said Branstad. “Currently, increased federal and state regulatory actions have created an environment non-supportive of increased productivity, innovation and job creation. The lack of regulatory stability is driving business out of the state and causing those who remain to limit or eliminate additional investment in their businesses and employees.”
Gov. Branstad’s proposal includes:
-
Better use of current resources through technology and partnerships
-
Responsible regulation
-
Sustainable Entrepreneurship
-
A Five-Year Strategic Vision and Implementation Plan
““In order to move agriculture forward we must address and develop a plan to enhance and invest in infrastructure state wide which will allow us to better transmit, handle, store, transport and transfer the increased production of agricultural crops, renewables, energy and value-added products,” said Branstad.
For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds campaign please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.
