Gov. Jim Pillen to lead Nebraska delegation to Czech Republic, Germany

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen and state leaders will embark on a diplomatic and trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany later this week. The mission will take place from Nov.

7 to Nov. 14. According to a press release, the delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 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,” Pillen said in the press release. “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 goal of the mission is to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships. Nebraska officials will also explore opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production. Nebraska has longstanding cultural ties to the Czech Republic.

From the 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. To honor this heritage, Pillen signed Legislative Bill 140 into law this year, creating Czech Heritage license plates.

In Germany, Nebraska’s delegation will work to 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. 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 to thank them for their ongoing investment. Additionally, the trade mission will promote Nebraska ag products, especially beef. In 2023, Nebraska exported $111 million of beef to the European Union — more than any other U.

S. state. “German businesses are renowned for their manufacturing prowess,” Economic Development Director K.

C. Belitz said in the press release. “Nebraska’s world-class workforce, central location, and strengths in transportation and logistics are strong selling points as we invite manufacturers to locate or expand in our state.

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