Nebraska, under the leadership of Governor Jim Pillen, is positioning itself as a key player in both the biobased economy and national security. Governor Pillen recently participated in the Alternative Fuels and Chemical Coalition (AFCC) Global Biobased Economy Conference in Washington D.C., where he emphasized Nebraska's potential to contribute to the biobased economy through sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies. He highlighted the state's commitment to expanding the biomanufacturing industry and encouraged manufacturers to consider Nebraska for future projects. [0633a32b]
In line with this vision, the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) at the University of Illinois is leading the way in bioprocessing innovation. Precision fermentation, a successful reality, has the potential to transform the local and national economies. It can convert microorganisms into valuable compounds, reducing America's reliance on foreign oil, meeting the global demand for meat sustainably, creating sustainable textiles, and leading in bioplastic production. This technology has economic and national security implications, aligning with Governor Pillen's efforts to strengthen Nebraska's role in the biobased economy and national security. [c9b474a7]
Governor Pillen has also been actively addressing the issue of foreign land grabs. He joined 16 Republican governors in calling on President Joe Biden and Congress to protect states from foreign nations strategically buying up US property. The governors argue that this poses a threat to national security and the economy. Governor Pillen's previous executive order banning the use of communications equipment produced by companies owned or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party further demonstrates his commitment to safeguarding national security. [ebe75099]
Nebraska's efforts in the biobased economy and national security are supported by Executive Order 14081, which aims to grow the U.S. bioeconomy, and Governor Pillen's proactive stance on foreign land ownership. By enhancing the plant-based manufacturing industry with the state's abundant grains and feedstocks, Nebraska is poised to lead the way in the new bioeconomy. At the same time, Governor Pillen's advocacy for protecting states from foreign land grabs contributes to safeguarding national security and the economy. [0633a32b] [c9b474a7] [ebe75099]
Indiana is also making strides in the field of agbioscience innovation. The state's economic landscape is on the cusp of transformation with agbioscience at the helm. AgriNovis Indiana's QUADRANT event on March 6 aims to spotlight innovation and collaboration for future growth. The event will feature Governor Holcomb and leaders from the agbioscience sector, focusing on bridging traditional agricultural practices with modern technological advances. The event will introduce four new startups in the sector and serve as a platform for discussion, networking, and strategic partnerships. Indiana is uniquely positioned to lead in the agbioscience arena, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for all its residents. [0633a32b]
Nebraska and Indiana's efforts in agbioscience innovation align with their shared goal of driving economic growth and sustainability. Both states recognize the potential of biobased technologies and sustainable farming practices to transform their respective economies. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, Nebraska and Indiana are paving the way for a brighter future in the agbioscience sector. [0633a32b] [c9b474a7] [ebe75099] [681446da]
Governor Eric Holcomb of Indiana, along with a delegation from the state, recently concluded an eight-day economic development trip to Brazil and Mexico. The trip aimed to cultivate innovation and growth in the agbioscience and agricultural economy. Indiana's trade with Brazil and Mexico exceeded $1.7 billion and $13.4 billion in 2023, respectively. During the trip, Governor Holcomb and the delegation met with industry leaders, including Solinftec, Corteva, and Elanco, and participated in roundtables and meetings with officials in both countries. The trip highlighted Indiana's commitment to driving economic growth and fostering strategic partnerships in the agbioscience sector. [064e93a0]
Governor Holcomb's trade mission to Brazil and Mexico concluded with the delegation strengthening partnerships and exploring opportunities in the agbiosciences and agricultural industries. The delegation included leaders from the agbiosciences and agriculture sectors and representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Indiana trade between Brazil and Mexico reached $1.7 billion and $13.4 billion in 2023, respectively. The delegation met with various business leaders, including Elanco Brazil's General Manager, Fernanda Hoe, and Daniel Binette, General Manager of Eli Lilly and Company, Brazil. The trip highlighted Indiana's $58 billion ag economy and explored new opportunities in emerging industries such as microelectronics and e-mobility. The delegation also discussed the importance of the historical partnership and exchange between Brazil and Indiana in higher education and research. In Mexico City, the delegation held a roundtable with the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council, Probocca, and Maple Leaf Farms. They also met with Atarraya's Shrimpbox, a company that operates in Mexico and Indiana, and discussed the state's vision and mission for pork production. The delegation highlighted Indiana's role in fueling growth and demand for soy products in Mexico, with U.S. soybeans having the largest market share. Governor Holcomb met with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and attended a reception at his residence. This was Governor Holcomb's 22nd international economic development trip as governor and his first official trip to Brazil and Mexico. [4d9fdb10]