Governor Jim Pillen and state leaders will be venturing to the Czech Republic and Germany for a trade mission from Nov. 7-14.
The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Nebraska National Guard, the University of Nebraska, the state’s agriculture and banking industries, and the ag tech sector.
“European consumers place a high value on sustainability,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s low-carbon production of food, feed, and fuel can help meet this demand.”
In the Czech Republic, Nebraska’s delegation will meet with the national government’s ministries of agriculture and foreign affairs, military leaders, and Czech agribusinesses. The State says the goal of the mission is to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships, as well as explore opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production.
In Germany, Nebraska’s delegation will recruit investment into the state’s bioeconomy; meet with leaders of German state governments; and take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture. Gov. Pillen will give the keynote address at EuroTier’s International Cattle & Pig Event on Nov. 11. The state delegation will also meet with German companies doing business in Nebraska. Additionally, the trade mission will promote Nebraska ag products, particularly beef.
In 2023, Nebraska exported $111 million of beef to the European Union—more than any other U.S. state. From the mid-1850s to the 1910s, an estimated 50,000 Czechs settled in Nebraska. By the early 20th century, Nebraska had welcomed more Czech immigrants, per capita, than any other state.
Bayer, CLAAS, Continental, Evonik, and Graepel, and Siemens are among the German companies with significant operations in the Cornhusker State.