Made In Iowa: Fuel, Food, and the Future - A Conversation with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig

In this episode, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces shaping the future of Iowa agriculture. We discuss global trade dynamics and the ways tariffs and international relationships influence Iowa’s agricultural economy. Secretary Naig also shares how the state is actively recruiting food manufacturers and expanding food production capacity, explaining why Iowa remains uniquely competitive in agriculture and food systems. From workforce and infrastructure to innovation and supply chain advantages, he outlines the long-term vision for strengthening Iowa’s role in feeding both the nation and the world. We also explore the importance of expanding year-round, nationwide access to E15 to support Iowa’s biofuels industry and the critical role international partnerships play through trade missions and growing export relationships. Secretary Naig highlights emerging opportunities for specialty crop producers and explains how the Iowa Farm Act and the Choose Iowa program are helping elevate locally produced food and farm products. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Naig points to the momentum behind Choose Iowa—an initiative designed to make it easier for consumers to identify and support products grown and made in Iowa while creating new opportunities for farmers, food producers, and rural communities across the state.