Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly to lead Indonesia trade trip, as Pillen focuses on special session

Soybeans being loaded from a grain bin onto a truck. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has asked Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly to step in for him to lead a trade mission to Indonesia this month — a shift made in light of the upcoming special legislative session.

Pillen has pledged to call a special session that will focus on property taxes immediately after the trade mission concludes, on July 24, the Governor’s Office said in a statement Friday afternoon. The Indonesia trip starts July 15.

“Due to the upcoming special session … last week, the governor asked Lt. Gov. (Joe) Kelly to lead the delegation on his behalf,” the statement said.

Pillen will not be attending any part of the week and a half of trade-related activities that kick off with a briefing from the U.S. Embassy, a spokesperson said.

The governor’s announcement that Kelly would lead the trip followed criticism on social media from a few state lawmakers about the timing of the mission.

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha and State Sen Julie Slama of Dunbar were among them. Slama called it a “taxpayer-funded boondoggle,” and asked to see Pillen’s property tax plan in writing before the trip.

Hunt said Pillen, who runs a massive hog operation based in Columbus, had scheduled the special session around a “trade mission/taxpayer-funded vacation to Indonesia, which is also a top pork trade market.”

Major economic opportunity

Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s fourth most populous country, offering economic development opportunities to the Cornhusker State, the statement said. It is one of the top-10 export markets for Nebraska, at $139 million, and has a rapidly expanding GDP and growing population.

Other notable activities for the 20-plus member trade team include participating in the Indo Livestock Expo and Forum, touring the Southeast Asia Food and Agricultural Science and Technology Center, meeting with Indonesia’s beef import associations and visiting dairy, feed mill and fueling operations.

The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture, Economic Development, the University of Nebraska and agricultural producers.

Beef, pork and more will be pitched

Additionally, the group will highlight Nebraska’s beef, pork, soybeans and other food products. Last fall, Nebraska beef was featured on the competitive cooking program called “MasterChef Indonesia,” the governor’s statement noted.

Kelly and the delegation are to meet with representatives of government, business and others to promote Nebraska’s value to Indonesia.

“Indonesia is growing rapidly and is a major market for Nebraska agricultural exports,” Kelly said. “We are excited to explore this vibrant market and build new partnerships that will directly affect Nebraska’s economy.”

Sherry Vinton, director of the Department of Agriculture, said Nebraska is positioned to meet the area’s growing demand for ag products and to identify other new partnership opportunities.

“The best thing about Nebraska is our people and when we meet new trading partners face to face, it has provided results in the short and long run,” Vinton said. “We are laying the groundwork for future generations.”

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