Opportunities in Indiana food, agriculture sector

INDIANAPOLIS — AgriNovus hosted Gov. Mike Braun at its Quadrant event to discuss opportunities in Indiana’s food and agriculture sector, the economy and other pressing issues.

Mitch Frazier, president and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana, interviewed the governor at the event. Here are a few highlights from the conversation.

Q: How is the new job going?

A: Well, let’s compare it to my old job — not to mention the 420 times I had to get on an airplane to go back and forth to D.C., and the fact you had to get 59 other senators to agree with you to get something done. In these 60 days, I think we’ve done a little over 30 executive orders.

We have a big agenda for education, health care and getting property taxes back in line. Most of that looks like it’s headed in the right direction. That would take two years (to get accomplished) in the U.S. Senate.

We did well thanks to the good team we put together. I’d say we’re off to a good start. I like the dynamic. I’m really glad I’m not making another 420 trips out there the next six years.

Q: Where do you see ag and agbioscience as a part of Indiana’s economy?

A: I visit all 92 counties in Indiana every year and I’ll continue to do that as your governor. I see a lot of our state. In 70 of our 92 counties, the main business is agriculture.

Now we’re seeing how we can add value to soybean or corn kernels. There are so many applications. And we’re the No. 1 manufacturing state per capita. I see potential everywhere.

I see 49 other states, though, that want to do what we like to do. We have some inherent advantages being where we’re located.

FedEx told me that the triangle from Indy to Louisville to Evansville is the best place to have any warehouse, any business. So, logistically, we’re in a great place.

When you look at any business that does well into the next generation, it’s always about what’s around the corner.

To me, agriculture and biosciences are on the leading edge. With our universities and technologies, we have real upside potential.

Q: How do you think about creating an ecosystem to really fuel innovation?

A: If you’re not on the leading technological edge, you’re probably going to be passed up by your competitors.

I’d like to create a Quantum Corridor referring to technology that stretches from the region to Lafayette, from Indy all the way down to Crane. We ought to be perfectly positioned, with our institutions, to weave technology into it.

As long as our cash flow is strong, we’re going to need to selectively create those incentives for businesses if we want to be that Quantum Corridor. We want to pick the best ideas that come along.