At the World Food Prize Foundation’s Dialogue Next in New Delhi, Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa brought the spirit of America’s agricultural heartland to one of the world’s most dynamic centers of culture and innovation. Speaking with clarity and conviction, she underscored Iowa’s role as a global leader in food production, agricultural innovation, and renewable energy—and highlighted how partnerships with India can shape a more secure, sustainable future.
Opening her remarks, Governor Reynolds reflected on the historical ties between Iowa and India: “I would also like to recognize the eight World Food Prize laureates from India—including the very first, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, whose groundbreaking work with Iowa’s own Dr. Norman Borlaug sparked the Green Revolution. Their partnership saved over a billion lives and built a legacy we carry forward today.”
From this foundation, she drew a direct link to Iowa’s present. With a population of just over three million, Iowa produces nearly 10 percent of America’s food supply. “Agriculture in Iowa is not just an industry—it’s a way of life,” Reynolds emphasised, pointing to the state’s leadership in corn, soybeans, pork, eggs, beef, and dairy. But she was quick to note that Iowa’s story is “about more than abundance. It is about innovation.”
That innovation is most visible in areas like biotechnology, precision agriculture, renewable fuels, and conservation. “Food security, after all, is inseparable from energy security,” she said. Iowa leads the U.S. in ethanol and biodiesel production, providing clean and affordable energy while reducing emissions—a point of clear resonance with India’s own energy diversification goals.
Governor Reynolds also highlighted the importance of global collaboration in tackling challenges like hunger and sustainability, “By combining Iowa’s agricultural innovation with India’s scale, talent, and growing market, we can forge new pathways to feed the world.”
She placed a strong emphasis on the next generation. Iowa has expanded STEM education, ag-tech training, and international learning opportunities, preparing young people to address tomorrow’s challenges. The same, she noted, is happening in India, where “the rising generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, and farmers are redefining what is possible.” Imagining a future of joint research in biotechnology, nutrition science, and digital agriculture, she urged, “Just imagine the impact when young innovators from Iowa and India collaborate… That is the kind of bold partnership this moment demands.”
Governor Reynolds also drew attention to Iowa’s research ecosystem. From Corteva Agriscience, which serves 10 million customers across 140 countries, to Iowa State University’s leadership in genomics and plant sciences, the state has become a hub for agricultural research and biosciences. Notably, Iowa’s growth in ag-tech venture capital has outpaced the U.S. average by 150 percent.
Yet innovation alone is not enough. Stewardship and sustainability, she reminded, are equally essential. “In Iowa, land is more than a commodity—it is a heritage. And we believe it is our duty to pass it on better than we received it.” Since her first day in office, Iowa has invested more than $700 million in water quality and conservation, making its farmers leaders in cover crops, bioreactors, wetlands, and other practices.
The governor also pointed to Iowa’s favorable economic environment, highlighting lower tax rates, regulatory reforms, and incentives that have attracted over $20 billion in outside investment since 2024. “In short,” she said with confidence, “Iowa’s economic model of responsive government, low taxes, and strong partnerships—it just works.”
Reynolds shared her own experience leading a trade delegation to India in 2023, celebrating rural development initiatives, hosting trade summits, and witnessing Indian companies expand operations in Iowa. These exchanges, she noted, are continuing to grow. “Later this month, another Indian company will cut the ribbon on a new facility in Iowa,” she shared, “and in October, we will host our first-ever Diwali celebration at the governor’s residence—a fitting tribute to our growing partnership.”
Looking ahead, the governor announced an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding with the state of Maharashtra to share best practices in food processing, digital technologies, and workforce training. This agreement, she said, will further strengthen collaboration across agriculture, biotech, renewable energy, and higher education.
Leave a Reply