News : Birker Appointed to Local Food and Farm Program Advisory Council

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the individuals who have been appointed to serve on the Local Food and Farm Program Advisory Council. The Council exists to support and advise statewide efforts to increase the availability of locally grown, raised, and produced foods.

"The supply chain disruptions and persistent inflation over the last two years have made consumers consider new avenues for the products and food they depend upon every day. Consumers are seeking out local farmers and local foods as a great way to shorten that supply chain while also positively impacting the local economy," said Secretary Naig. "The Local Food and Farm Advisory Council will help guide the strategy and efforts to increase the availability of local foods across the state. I am thrilled that we have so many passionate Iowans stepping up to serve."

Appointments include Jenni Birker, of Birker Cattle Company as the representative for livestock producers.

Birker is currently part of the 16 member trade mission delegation traveling to Japan and Korea. Led by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, the mission, is focused on the food and ag industry, and is aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities. The effort is being coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). 

Revitalizing and expanding membership of the Local Food and Farm Advisory Council was a recommendation of the Farm to Table Task Force in 2021, co-chaired by Secretary Naig and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Vice President John Lawrence. During the 2022 Iowa legislative session, this recommendation was enacted by the Iowa General Assembly.

In 2022, Iowa companies exported $1.8 billion in goods to Japan. Japan is Iowa's third largest export destination and the second-leading export market for pork and beef products. Iowa companies exported $551 million in meat products to Japan in 2022. In addition, Japan is the second largest destination for Iowa corn - in 2022, Japan imported $500 million in Iowa corn. 

Iowa exported goods in the amount of $886 million to South Korea last year. South Korea is the fourth-largest destination for Iowa pork and beef ($348 million) and sixth largest destination for Iowa corn ($87 million). South Korea is also Iowa's second largest international market for ethanol ($71.2 million). There is significant potential for growth of biofuel exports to both Japan and South Korea.

"Trade matters to Iowa and we are grateful for our strong trading partnership with the people of Japan and South Korea. Iowa is a proven, consistent and reliable supplier of products to our trading partners around the world," said Secretary Naig. "I'm honored to lead this delegation of Iowans as we seek to build new relationships, strengthen existing friendships, and create even more consumer demand for our grain, meat, biofuels and other agricultural products within Japan and South Korea."

The delegation left for Japan on February 17 and is scheduled to return to Iowa on February 25. The itinerary is comprised of stops in Tokyo and Seoul and mission highlights include trade policy discussions, grain and protein import information sessions with leading organizations, and meetings with ag industry representatives on business development opportunities. In addition, the delegation celebrated "Iowa Agriculture & BBQ Day" in Tokyo today by presenting a proclamation, which was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds commemorating the day, to Japanese ag industry leaders. 

Mission participants include Iowa companies involved in meat and food processing and representatives from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn and Iowa Soybean Association. Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs. IEDA cooperated with U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation and U.S. Soybean Export Council to identify business prospects for the delegation.

The IEDA's International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa. 

Other members of the delegation include:

Poultry producer: Brad Moline, Moline Farms

Dairy producer: Bob Howard, County View Dairy

Fruit or vegetable producer: Beth Rachut, Kittleson Bros.

Meat or dairy processor: Bobbi Jo Gustafson, Story City Locker

Fruit or Vegetable Processor: James Nisly, Organic Greens LLC

A manager of a wholesale distributor of local food: Steve Winders, Loffredo Fresh Foods

A grocery store engaged in the purchase and marketing of local food: Nate Stewart, Waukee Hy-Vee

A food service provider that distributes food to a K-12 institution or early care provider: Kaitlyn Scheuermann, Waukee Community School District

A food service provider that distributes food to an institution that does not serve school children: Karen Rodekamp, Iowa State University Dining

Two persons engaged in local or regional community food organizations:

Michelle Kenyon, Field to Family Food Hub

Josh Dansdill, Northeast Iowa RC&D

An attorney practicing in the areas of food and agricultural law: Kitt Tovar Jensen, Center for Agriculture Law and Taxation

An employee of a government entity who specializes in nutrition programs: Meg Collins, Iowa Department of Education