Governor Jim Pillen and a group of Nebraska state leaders are set to begin a diplomatic and trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany this week, running from Thursday through November 14. The delegation will include representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Department of Economic Development, Nebraska National Guard, the University of Nebraska, and various sectors including agriculture, banking, and ag tech.
In a statement, Governor Pillen highlighted that Nebraska’s low-carbon production of food, feed, and fuel aligns well with European consumers’ priorities on sustainability.
During their visit to the Czech Republic, the Nebraska team will engage with national government officials in agriculture and foreign affairs, military leaders, and Czech agribusinesses. The mission aims to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships while exploring opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production.
Nebraska has deep cultural ties with the Czech Republic, dating back to when approximately 50,000 Czech immigrants settled in the state between the 1850s and 1910s, leading to the state’s high per capita Czech population. To honor this heritage, Pillen signed a law this year establishing Czech Heritage license plates.
In Germany, the delegation’s focus will be on attracting investment into Nebraska’s bioeconomy. They will meet with German state leaders and participate in EuroTier, a major international trade show for animal agriculture, where Pillen is scheduled to give the keynote address at the International Cattle & Pig Event. The team will also connect with German businesses already operating in Nebraska to express appreciation for their investment. A key aspect of the mission is promoting Nebraska agricultural products, particularly beef, as Nebraska led U.S. beef exports to the European Union in 2023, totaling $111 million.
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