A New Vision for Iowa Agriculture

Dear Iowans,

Iowa’s agriculture and food system faces an uncertain future. I am running for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture because I think we lack the statewide vision and leadership needed to prepare us to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Iowa’s agriculture is today highly dependent on oil-based inputs. When oil prices peaked near $150 a barrel in 2008, farm input costs went through the roof, putting Iowa agriculture in a perilous position. The subsequent recession brought oil prices down, but as economists have predicted, oil prices are on the rise again as the economy recovers. Could Iowa’s agriculture survive $250-a-barrel oil?

Two thirds of Iowa’s land area is planted to just two annual row crops—corn and soybeans. Weather extremes related to climate change have demonstrated the vulnerability of this cropping system. Without cover crops or perennial crops in rotation, these crops lack resilience to extreme weather events.

Solutions

We can diversify our cropping systems to make them more resilient and less reliant on oil-based inputs. We can also grow more of the food we eat right here in Iowa to enhance our economy, food security, health and environment.

New technologies are now being developed that will allow farmers to produce biofuels on the farm, using sustainable cropping systems. It’s time to refocus Iowa’s investments in biofuels development to bring these technologies on line so we can make Iowa farms more energy self-sufficient, put more biofuel profits in farmers’ pockets, and increase landscape diversity and resilience.

Consumers are increasingly seeking locally grown foods for their taste, freshness and nutritional value—and to support local farmers. We can take steps to accelerate the development of local food systems in Iowa.

We need to recognize and pursue these and other opportunities to create a more profitable, resilient and stable agriculture and food system in Iowa. I look forward to a conversation with you on a new vision for Iowa food and agriculture.

Francis Thicke