I am back in Iowa after having the privilege of participating as a delegate on Governor Kim Reynolds 10-day India Trade Mission, proudly representing Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) and the Iowa biotechnology sector. Secretary Mike Naig and Iowa Economic Development Authority/Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham also made the journey, along with many strong agriculture and economic development leaders, to open doors and establish new relationships between Iowa and India. I have no doubt these first steps for the State will prove fruitful in the future. 

Many of our Iowa Biotechnology Association member companies are already active in India, and the potential for even greater growth, connections, and mutual benefits is dazzling, to say the least. With India's rapidly growing population along with environmental/climate factors, come increased demands and stresses on its existing systems and resources. Iowa's values and unique agricultural and biotechnology assets have us poised to provide solutions and help India meet its goals. 

A perfect example of this was the letter of intent signed by our member PowerPollen while on the trade mission, to provide its innovative pollen technology to the Indian seed market--a momentous occasion. I also served as a witness for the MoU signed by Secretary Mike Naig with TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, which focuses on the development and deployment of sustainable agricultural technologies and practices.

I am struck by how many former students from University of Iowa and Iowa State University State I met, who still maintain ties with their alma maters, as well as the continued impact research from those institutions is having in India.

Finally, I am thankful to the IowaBio Board of Directors for supporting me in this endeavor, and to Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig, and Director Durham for their leadership. I also want to thank the other Iowa delegates, for simply being open, fun, and Iowan. The relationships we established among ourselves are no less important. 

I have a feeling this will not be my last trip to India!