MO Lt. Governor: value-added ag next step for MO

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MO Lt. Governor: value-added ag next step for MO

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe says boosting the state’s value-added ag industry is the next step in cultivating Missouri’s economic growth.

Mike Kehoe tells Brownfield value-added ag is the ‘secret’ to Missouri’s future.

“Right now [Missouri] agriculture is about an $88 billion a year industry,” he said. “We think there’s room for growth, up to $25 billion coming in the near future. So, value added is where it’s all about.”

He said that includes incoming and expanding business like the recently announced meat processing plant coming to Warren County, and…

“We’ve got hemp gin running down in Scott and New Madrid County where we have 600 acres of hemp under harvest this year that we’re bringing value-added products to that,” Kehoe said. “And then the third piece to that leg, really, is the agritourism piece.”

Kehoe said agritourism, like on-farm experiences, have multiple benefits, adding additional farm revenue streams and an educational experience for consumers.

Kehoe spoke at Missouri Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting, Monday.

Mike Kehoe Interview

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