‘Agri-prenuership’ Can Revitalize Rural Iowa

Countdown to victory: 13 days Francis and Susan Thicke’s 80-head dairy and on-the-farm processing operation is a strong example of how“agri-preneurship” can revitalize Iowa’s rural communities. The Thickes targeted their market to strong local demand for organic foods, and now supply milk, yogurt and cheese grocery to stores and restaurants within a 5-mile radius of [...]

Food Policy

Chapter 34 – Food Policy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has formally recognized the economic and many other benefits of local food production in a new program called “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food,” which is encouraging the expansion of local food production across the country.

Connecting Farmers and Consumers

Chapter 33 – Connecting Farmers and Consumers

The opportunities for consumers to buy food directly from farmers have been increasing. In Iowa, there are now 223 farmers markets, and farmers market sales have increased 92 percent over the past five years. Farmers markets give consumers the opportunity to meet the farmer who produces the food they eat and to ask questions about how their food is produced.

Egg Recall Creating Demand for Local Foods

We can produce more of the food we eat right here in Iowa to enhance our economy, our food security and our environment. Growing more of our food in Iowa represents a potential multi-million dollar economic development opportunity.

Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act of Illinois: Why Not the Whole United States?

We in Iowa like to claim the title of “Food Capital of the World.” However, estimates are that about 80% of the $8 billion worth of food we eat in Iowa comes from out of state. Producing more of the food we eat right here in Iowa will be good for our economy, rural communities, health and environment.