As part of our regular conversations with Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson, the Spokesman visited with Johnson about recent trade missions and how Farm Bureau is making its voice heard on the importance of trade. Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity. 

Q: Brent, you took part in a trade mission to India earlier this fall with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. What’s the history of that relationship with India, the goal of that trade mission and what were some of your key takeaways?

We went to India a year ago, learned a tremendous amount and decided we needed to go back for a second visit. This time we could build on what we knew and ask deeper questions.

Iowa farmers are world-class, the best at what we do anywhere. So how do we find a home for the commodities that our farmers are so good at producing? That’s where we tried to focus. 

The population of India is absolutely huge — the world’s largest country and democracy — with an emerging middle class. When that happens, people have a little disposable income and want...