Agriculture will lead the state’s economy recovery, Republican gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad predicted Sept. 1 as he unveiled a five-year strategy for implementing his vision for Iowa agriculture.

Gov. Terry branstad

With the world population approaching 9 billion, food production must double by 2050, Branstad said at the Farm Progress Show in Boone.

“As a world agriculture leader, Iowa must double our own production to feed Iowans and people around the world,” said Branstad, whose four terms as governor included the rural crisis of the 1980s. “Iowa’s agricultural system will be challenged to produce more with less in a manner that protects our natural resources of land, water and people.”

First-term Democrat Gov. Chet Culver’s campaign called the Branstad proposal “more of the same failed idea: removing oversight.”

Specifically, the Culver campaign attacked Branstad’s proposal for streamlining permitting and regulations.

Branstad’s plan, which can be found at http://governorbranstad2010.com/assets/ready-to-grow.pdf, calls for better use of current resources through technology and partnerships, responsible regulation, sustainable entrepreneurship and a five-year strategic vision and implementation plan.

“Branstad’s approach of putting all of these jobs at risk by offering regulatory shortcuts to a few is just as reckless as his widely criticized proposal to cut the oversight abilities at the Department of Economic Development,” a campaign spokesperson said.

“It is shocking that during the egg recall, Branstad says that he believes there should be less oversight,” said Ali Glisson, Culver-Judge communications director. “It’s clear that Branstad is out of touch with the current issues facing Iowa’s farmers. Removing oversight isn’t going to help create new farms, it’s going to put into jeopardy Iowa’s food supply.”

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement called Branstad “tone deaf” to be calling for less regulation while details are being released about how the lack of regulation has led to largest salmonella outbreak and egg recall in U.S. history.

“We don’t need streamlined regulations, we need stronger regulations,” said Hugh Espey, ICCI executive director. “The people of Iowa don’t want a government that kowtows to corporate ag. We want a government that will put people before profits, stand up for clean air and clean water, and crack down on factory farm polluters.”

Branstad called agriculture a major engine for job creation and economic growth. In 1983, with Iowa in the depth of an agricultural recession, its 115,000 farmers produced economic value of $1.98 billion on 33.7 million acres of farmland. Today, Iowa’s 92,600 farmers are producing crops and livestock on 30.8 million acres.

“In 2008, this engine of economic growth created $26.3 billion in agriculture production value in the state,” he said.

The Culver campaign did not immediately respond to Branstad’s proposal.

Branstad called it imperative the state work closely with universities and community colleges to educate the next generation who will manage the ag production system from the farms to manufacturing to processing.

“It is necessary to support the research needed to develop and discover technology that will allow agriculture to continue as a great economic driver,” he said. Access to technology allows farmers to do well and do good – using science and technology to respond to the agricultural challenge to produce more while protecting our environment and maximizing Iowa’s natural resources, Branstad added.

Currently, increased federal and state regulatory actions have created an environment that does not support increased productivity, innovation and job creation, Branstad said.

“We must create a regulatory system that is science-based, responsible and stable to support a business climate that doubles agricultural production,” Branstad said. “The lack of regulatory stability is driving business out of the state and causing those who remain to limit or eliminate additional investment in their businesses and employees.”

He wants to continue to support and enhance agriculture opportunities that offer a direct link to consumers and add economic and social value.

“Iowa-based businesses such as wineries, dairies, cheese makers, and ‘pick your own’ orchards and gardens are springing up all over Iowa,” he said. “We must also support and encourage agri-tourism opportunities like farmers’ markets, autumn corn mazes and other season-specific opportunities where consumers have direct contact with producers.”

Branstad called for a plan to invest in infrastructure statewide “to allow us to better transmit, handle, store, transport and transfer the increased production of agricultural crops, renewables, energy and value-added products.”

However, Glisson said, Branstad continues to oppose I-JOBS, which provides funds for infrastructure improvement. He continues to oppose the Iowa Power Fund, which invests in renewable energy.

“This is the second time Branstad called something a ‘new idea’ without any recognition that not only is the idea not new but that Gov. Culver has already accomplished it,” she said. “Iowans have to expect more from him than dusting off other candidates’ ideas. He seems to lack the understanding about what is going on in state government today.”