Hon. Mike Naig, Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Iowa, United States, addressed the World Food Prize Foundation’s Dialogue Next in New Delhi, underlining the deep agricultural ties between Iowa and India and calling for strengthened global collaboration to ensure food security.
Secretary Naig expressed his pride in leading the Iowa delegation alongside Governor Kim Reynolds. “I’m proud to be leading our delegation from Iowa alongside Governor Kim Reynolds, and I am equally proud to represent Iowa’s agricultural community—our family farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and innovators,” he said. He also joined in acknowledging the critical contributions of farmers worldwide: “I too want to salute farmers everywhere—whether in Iowa, in India, or across the globe—for their indispensable role in feeding the world.”
Naig emphasised that Iowa and India, despite the thousands of miles that separate them, share an enduring bond rooted in agriculture, innovation, and cultural exchange. “In many ways, Iowa and India are natural partners. Indian companies thrive in Iowa, and Iowa businesses are proud to operate here in India. These ties strengthen both our economies and our cultural bonds,” he remarked.
Iowa’s Legacy in Global Food Security
Highlighting Iowa’s unique role in advancing global food security, Naig reflected on the state’s contributions through its farmers, research institutions, and historic agricultural leaders. He recalled the pioneering spirit of George Washington Carver, Herbert Hoover, and Henry A. Wallace, and most notably, Dr. Norman Borlaug, the Iowa-born “Father of the Green Revolution.”
“Dr. Borlaug grew up on a small farm in northeast Iowa, yet his work transformed agriculture around the globe, saving an estimated billion lives. His legacy lives on through the World Food Prize Foundation, headquartered in Iowa, which convenes one of the preeminent global gatherings of ‘hunger fighters’ each October—fittingly during Iowa’s harvest season,” Naig said. He added that Dialogue Next builds on this tradition by extending Borlaug’s vision internationally and highlighting the urgent challenges still ahead.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The conference’s focus on youth and innovation strongly resonated with Naig. “The next generation must be inspired and empowered to lead the fight for food security—through research, innovation, education, and policy,” he stressed. As both a farmer and policymaker, he underlined the importance of creating opportunities for young people to join this global mission.
Iowa’s Agricultural Strengths
Naig shared insights into Iowa’s unmatched productivity and its recognition as a global hub for agricultural innovation. “We understand that 96% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, and that Iowa farmers are uniquely connected to global markets. But it’s not just about the quantity of what we produce—it’s about how we produce it,” he explained. “Consumers around the world trust Iowa for food safety, quality, and sustainability.”
From record corn and soybean harvests to leadership in renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel, Iowa continues to demonstrate agricultural excellence. Naig also spotlighted Iowa’s sustainability practices. “We are setting records in conservation, protecting our soil and water resources through practices like cover crops, reduced tillage, bioreactors, wetlands, and buffers. Sustainability is not a slogan in Iowa—it’s a way of farming and a way of life,” he affirmed.
Strengthening Iowa–India Ties
Looking to the future, Naig stressed the potential for even greater cooperation between Iowa and India. “As India’s economy grows, and as its citizens gain greater access to food, energy, transportation, and diverse diets, the demand for a dynamic and resilient agricultural sector will only increase. Iowa can be a strong partner in that growth—with globally recognised institutions like Iowa State University, world-leading agribusinesses, a thriving startup ecosystem, and some of the most productive farmers on earth.”
He noted that achieving shared goals requires collaboration and open dialogue. “As much as every nation strives for food self-sufficiency, global partnerships create the possibility to close productivity gaps, share innovation, and meet diverse needs. Working together, Iowa and India can address barriers, streamline business, and strengthen the ties that benefit both our peoples,” Naig concluded.
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