National Agriculture Week -- Dean's Message, 1999

MAKE VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE (AND EDUCATION) A PRIORITY

by David Topel
Dean, Iowa State University College of Agriculture

Think of Iowa and agriculture immediately comes to mind. So it's natural to consider our state as the Food Capital of the World. Some, including our new governor, are doing just that.

The food capital theme is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of adding value to our agricultural products. Many countries are ahead of us in transforming their raw ag products into more profitable, more ready-to-use forms.

As long as Iowa continues to export most of its crops and livestock in commodity form, we'll have a long way to go to take full advantage of our agricultural bounty.

But we're fully prepared for progress. Iowa has a strong foundation in research and technology transfer. We need to build on this infrastructure to attract new processing industries and encourage new ideas that benefit producers and the state's economy.

Recently I visited a new plant in Carroll that will process local farmers' corn into several commercial products. The plant is an example of what can happen as a result of impressive community and state efforts to think differently about agriculture.

Iowa State University can be a resource for these new efforts. We have provided research and support for fledgling companies that are now spreading their wings. An example is ExSeed Genetics of Ames, which recently announced it is expanding its facilities and workforce to develop new traits in crops.

Many good ideas to improve agricultural profitability go unrealized because of the daunting steps it takes to reach the commercial mainstream. Iowa State is working to keep these good ideas from ending up on the shelf. The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is providing education and training for those pursuing promising work in agriculture, engineering and veterinary sciences.

This year College of Agriculture students can study for a minor in agricultural entrepreneurship. This is one of the first programs of its kind for agriculture. Students take courses in business and in areas related to their chosen careers. The new minor is rapidly becoming a popular choice for our students.

It always happens. Start talking about agriculture and you wind up talking about education. Education is a lifelong process. It also is another of Iowa's great strengths that we must use to stay competitive in the rapidly changing world of agriculture. For Iowa to be the Food Capital of the World, it also must be the Learning Capital of the World.

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