Business : Iowa Agricultural Delegation Explores Trade Opportunities in Central America

Pictured in the front row in the center is Secretary of Ag, Mike Naig. Directly behind him and to his right is Brian Carlson, Iowa Corn Producers

This past month, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a 13-member delegation returned from a trade mission to Costa Rica and Guatemala. The trade mission was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and included representation from Iowa's meat and grain commodity groups. The purpose of the mission was to foster trade opportunities as the State of Iowa advocates for the export of high-quality, Iowa grown corn, soybeans, pork and beef products.

In a press release put out by Iowa (IEDA?), "The U.S. remains the number one export market in agricultural products for Costa Rica and Guatemala. Guatemala accounts for approximately one-third of the Central America region's GDP, and is steadily increasing agricultural imports from the U.S. In 2024, Guatemala imported $1.9 billion in agricultural goods from the U.S., while Costa Rica imported $956 million in 2024.  In 2024, Iowa companies alone exported $75.1 million in agricultural goods to Costa Rica and $145 million to Guatemala. (Source: USDA and WISERTrade)

"Iowa's hardworking farmers can produce an abundance of food and fuel incredibly efficiently, which is why international market development continues to be one of my top priorities," said Secretary Naig. "I was pleased to lead a delegation of Iowa farmers and agricultural leaders to Central America, an area of the globe that offers promising potential as a growing destination for Iowa grain, protein, and biofuels. Our delegation enjoyed meeting with customers in Costa Rica and Guatemala, we thanked them for their business, and we learned more about how we can further strengthen our trading relationship going forward. Trade matters to Iowa, and these face-to-face meetings are the best way to build connections in key markets as we seek to export significantly more Iowa products.""

The group visited San Jose, Costa Rica and Guatemala City, Guatemala, The itinerary focused on trade policy discussions, information sessions on Iowa's agricultural industry and business development meetings. Representing Iowa were the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association as well as the Iowa Corn Growers Association. 

Benton County native, Brian Carlson, represented the Iowa Corn Growers Association on the mission. Carlson expressed his honor in joining the mission both as a farmer and a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. He highlighted Iowa Corn's dedication to promoting corn and corn-based products, stating, "Iowa Corn works alongside other commodity groups and the Iowa Department of Economic Development to promote our products." This collaboration aims to showcase Iowa's agricultural prowess on an international stage.

Iowa Corn Growers Association: Advancing Corn's Potential

The Iowa Corn Growers Association supports corn farmers by investing in research, market development, and educational initiatives. Their efforts focus on:

• Research: Developing new uses for corn and enhancing farming practices to boost efficiency and sustainability.
• Market Development: Expanding domestic and international markets to ensure consistent demand for Iowa corn.
• Education: Informing consumers and stakeholders about the benefits and versatility of corn and corn-based products.

• Check out their website at: iowacorn.org

IEDA  also works with the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, U.S. Soybean Export Council and U.S. Department of Agriculture - Foreign Agriculture Service to identify and organize business prospects and meetings for the mission. The International Trade Office works to connect 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.

If you would like to know more about these services or other trade missions, visit iowaeda.com.