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Ricketts unveils new International Relations Council in Nebraska

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts has unveiled a new Governor’s Council for International Relations.

At a news conference in Lincoln, Ricketts said the council will bring business, agriculture and education groups together to expand overseas trade opportunities and develop new international partnerships for the state.

“It will help us really leverage those relationships and resources that we all have—that we’re all putting toward international development—and focus on how we can develop new strategies for increasing trade, seeking that direct foreign investment back here in our state that creates those jobs, and looking for other ways to raise the profile of Nebraska around the world,” Ricketts said.

Dan Nerud, a farmer from Dorchester and vice president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, applauded the announcement.

“With 95 percent of the world’s population living outside of our borders and great growth potential outside of the U.S., developing a road map of strategies and partnerships to prioritize international opportunities for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers is critical,” Nerud said.

Other ag groups on the council include the Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Pork Producers and the Nebraska Ethanol Board. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is also involved.

AUDIO: Excerpt from news conference hosted by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts