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Iowa Ag Secretary encouraged by Central America trade mission

The top ag official in Iowa is encouraged following a recent trade mission to Central America.

Ag Secretary Mike Naig says Costa Rica and Guatemala are two strong export markets for the U.S.

“Both growing economies (with) growing populations. Guatemala, the largest economy in Central America, is really an important player in the region from a trade standpoint but certainly also from a security standpoint.”

He tells Brownfield Costa Rica and Guatemala are regular buyers of U.S. pork and other proteins.

“Growing beef markets, and of course we are a supplier of soybean meal and corn for their livestock industries.”

Naig says there’s also tremendous upside for U.S. ethanol exports in Central American markets.