Plantpeddler Hosts Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
On Sept. 15, 2020, Plantpeddler hosted Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig for a greenhouse facility tour and discussion with the Plantpeddler team. Naig’s interest was spurred by a recent visit and tour by Iowa Senator Joni Ernst.
Before the tour, the Secretary disclosed that his grandparents were the previous owners of the Emmetsburg (IA) Greenhouse, so horticulture is in his family.
During the tour of the production facilities, discussion covered a variety of topics including horticulture’s role in value-added agriculture, the opportunities to diversify and grow production within the state, and risk management for growers, especially in light of the recent Derecho which destroyed greenhouses, businesses, and farm operations throughout Iowa.
Naig was joined by two Iowa House members: Sen. Waylon Brown, Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, along with other local dignitaries and Plantpeddler staff.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the industry and topics important to the health of horticulture, both within the state and beyond. The Secretary was very attuned to the critical needs of the “confinement plant industry” and our parallels to the confinement livestock industry. The visit provided Naig with a view into the investment from breeding, through production, to consumers which drives our industry.
Photo caption: Mike Gooder (left) discusses industry issues with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig (center) and John Gooder (right).