By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Leaders of 13 Midwestern states say they need to work together to compete in the global economy.
State officials from around the region, including four governors, are meeting in St. Louis Thursday and Friday for the 34th annual Midwestern Governor's Conference.
Economic development is the main issue on the agenda, but Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius says more resources should be directed toward protecting the nation's food supply.
"There are some initiatives underway, for instance, with Homeland Security, to try and refocus some of those efforts and dollars on agriterrorism possibilities," Sebelius said.
Education, tourism, and agriculture are other topics on the agenda.
Missouri Governor Bob Holden is the conference chairman.