Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association welcome Kim Reynolds as Iowa Governor

Two Iowa-based trade bodies have welcomed Kim Reynolds as Iowa Governor.

The trade body that represents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) welcomed the new governor.

ISA president Rolland Schnell of Newton and Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development and executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued statements on the news

Schnell said: “Governor Kim Reynolds is a proven advocate for farm families, supporting Iowa jobs and improving the prosperity of our local communities. Her experience as lieutenant governor and state senator provides her with a unique understanding of agriculture’s role as a catalyst for employment and economic development in Iowa.

“She also knows the important role trade plays in supporting Iowa jobs and economic prosperity. She has been a staunch supporter of the soybean industry, participating in numerous trade missions while welcoming international delegations to Iowa. Soybean farmers look forward to accompanying her on a trade mission to China this summer as we continue to build relationships and business with key markets.

“Governor Reynolds is also keenly aware of the leadership role Iowa plays in producing and selling soybeans and how soybean farmers are demonstrating efficient production with improved conservation and water quality practices. We will work closely with her to establish dedicated and sustained funding to drive greater adoption of conservation practices to the betterment of all Iowans.”

‘Extremely capable governor’

Kimberley added: “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Kim Reynolds as Governor of Iowa. We have no doubt she will be an extremely capable governor who will continue to care deeply about science, agriculture and biofuels, recognising the benefits these key industries bring to our state.

“Having worked with her on trade missions abroad and on biofuels issues at home, she has shown herself to be a natural-born leader in her own right. Governor Reynolds has steadfastly supported the comprehensive state biodiesel policies that help make Iowa the number one biodiesel-producing state. At the federal level, we’re confident she will be an outspoken proponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), as was her predecessor.  

“The State of Iowa is fortunate to have her take the helm from Governor Branstad, who we heartily thank for his decades of strong leadership. His work made Iowa a better place, and we look forward to many productive years ahead working with Governor Reynolds on issues critical to Iowa’s economy and environment.” 

This story was written by Liz Gyekye, editor of Biofuels International.