State leaders share wishes for new year

INDIANAPOLIS — Now that it is time to say goodbye — and good riddance — to 2020, state and agriculture leaders shared their hopes for 2021.

“Although a global pandemic brought unprecedented challenges our way in 2020, I’m inspired, every day, by the way Hoosiers all across our state have come together to meet them head-on. Hoosier famers demonstrated what we already knew to be true: there’s no more resilient American than the American farmer. As we enter the new year, we’ll put our wish into action, by continuing to work hand-in-glove with Indiana agriculture to cultivate a climate that yields stability, predictability and continuity, both now and well into the future.”

Eric Holcomb, governor

Indiana

“It is my hope that our strong agricultural producers continue rising to the occasion when faced with challenges, which there were many in 2020. In 2021, Indiana’s strong agricultural industry will play a critical role in helping Hoosiers move forward through the pandemic and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the hard work and sacrifices they continue to make each day. Through COVID, we recognized the importance of connecting Hoosiers in our ag communities so they can participate in eLearning, telework and telehealth. It is vital that Hoosiers who call rural Indiana home are not left behind.”

Suzanne Crouch, lieutenant governor

Indiana

“The NRCS continues to support Indiana’s working lands during the good times and the challenging times. Despite 2020 being marked with a pandemic, farmers were still able to implement conservation practices on over 220,000 acres in Indiana with soil health at the forefront. My wish for 2021 is that Indiana producers continue this trend by managing their land in ways that improve soil health. Improving soil health is one of the most effective ways to increase crop productivity and profitability while improving our environment.”

Jerry Raynor, Indiana state conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service

“For the agriculture industry, we need serious investment to support adoption of soil health practices. The health of our farmland is critical to the economic and environmental health of the state. For Indiana in general, good health, solid educations and no want of healthy food or safe shelter.”

Lisa Holscher, director

Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative

“2020 was a challenge in many ways for many people, agriculture included. I am hopeful that in 2021 we will continue to learn from our supply chain concerns and further add additional value to our Indiana products. I wish for Indiana to continue its momentum of new opportunities that have arisen due to the global pandemic, such as increased vertical agriculture facilities and improving our indoor agriculture technology.”

Bruce Kettler, director

Indiana State Department of Agriculture

“It is my hope that the momentum that we have gained this year in the area of awareness of local foods, markets and farms continues into 2021 to help farmers and producers make up for any losses due to the pandemic in 2020. As we usher in the new year, I am hopeful that Indiana will continue to look for ways to strengthen our communities and show support to small businesses.”

Heather Tallman, program director

Indiana Grown