A bill modifying the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission passes committee.
The commission was established so South Dakota ag markets could garner an international reach. It has also created partnerships through SDSU and the University of College Dublin.
SB 143 adds more positions on the council through the private sector and an officer from the state’s executive branch.
Sen. Chris Karr is the bill’s prime sponsor. He said the new structure promotes the commission’s intent.
"We want to get South Dakota businesses, South Dakota manufacturers connected to Ireland, connected to the rest of the world, the European Union," Karr said. "Ireland is the gateway now, the English-speaking gateway, to that whole market. You’re talking about dozens of countries and 300+ million people. So that’s how that will help bringing the industry into the actual commission."
Rep. Bethany Soye – the lone vote against the bill in committee – said she opposes because she doesn’t understand the need to “carve out one European country.”
Sen. Karr said Ireland is key due to the country’s international success in the dairy and equine industries.
The bill passes the House State Affairs Committee 12-1 and now heads to the House floor.
