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Southern Iowa Local Foods Initiative
Practical Farmers of Iowa
PFI provides essential resources and support for aspiring, beginning and existing farmers. They use farmer-led investigation and information sharing to help farmers practice an agriculture that benefits both the land and people.
Visit here: Practical Farmers of Iowa
Animal Welfare Approved
AWA audits, certifies and supports independent family farmers raising their animals according to the highest animal welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range. They set standards or rules that farmers must follow before they can sell their meat, eggs and dairy products using the AWA logo. Their standards have been developed in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, researchers, and farmers across the globe to maximize practicable, high-welfare farm management.
Visit Here: Animal Welfare Approved
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass is a digital guide to help stakeholders navigate USDA resources and efforts related to local and regional food systems. It is a valuable resource documenting the innovation, entrepreneurship and impact of local food systems across the country. It is driving job growth, keeping farmers and on the land, and keeping wealth in rural communities. Dive deep into this new tool, and be inspired by the stories it tells and the ideas it can spur for you and your community.
Get the guide Here: Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass
ISU Extension and Outreach
Find local educational opportunities on Commercial Agriculture Production Efficiency and Productivity, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, Farm Business Management, Farm Transition and Beginning Farmers, Food Safety, Regional and Local Foods, Risk Management and Marketing.
Visit Here: ISU Extension
The Leopold Center
The Leopold Center is a research and education center on the campus of Iowa State University created to identify and reduce negative environmental and social impacts of farming and develop new ways to farm profitably while conserving natural resources. The Center’s work is focused in ecological systems research, marketing and food systems research, policy research and cross-cutting research that bridges all areas (water, energy, soil and alternative farming systems.
Visit here: The Leopold Center
Regional Food System Working Group
Representatives from more than 25 groups across Iowa meet quarterly to discuss and coordinate efforts to build more vibrant regional food systems.
The Regional Food System Working Group of Iowa maximizes the potential for community-based, economically sustainable, and environmentally and socially responsible food enterprises by supporting education, conducting research, and facilitating partnerships.
Visit here: Regional Food System Working Group
Cultivate Iowa is an initiative of the Iowa Food Systems Council’s Food Access & Health Work Group (FAHWG) to promote the benefits of food gardening and produce donation to create a sustainable future and healthier communities in Iowa.
Visit here: Cultivate Iowa
Regional Food System Working Group
Representatives from more than 25 groups across Iowa meet quarterly to discuss and coordinate efforts to build more vibrant regional food systems.
The Regional Food System Working Group of Iowa maximizes the potential for community-based, economically sustainable, and environmentally and socially responsible food enterprises by supporting education, conducting research, and facilitating partnerships.
Visit here: Regional Food System Working Group
New Pilot Program Offers Coverage for Fruits and Vegetables, Organic and Diversified Farms
2014 Farm Bill Expands Crop Insurance Options, Provides Premium Discounts for Qualified Operations
Visit here: Article
Iowa Farmers Market Association
Iowa Farmers Market Association educates the public about the many benefits of locally-grown, fresh food and they promote farmers markets and continuing education for market managers and vendors. IFMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
IFMA was organized in 2002 by farmers market managers from across Iowa. Our objectives include educating the public about the many benefits of locally-grown, fresh food; promoting farmers markets and continuing education for market managers and vendors. IFMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Visit here: Iowa Farmers Market Association
for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
Educational Resources and Loan information for beginning farmers and ranchers.
Visit here: Article
Farm to School Programs connect farms with school cafeterias and classrooms. These programs can include everything from farm field trips to nutrition education in the school garden to farm-fresh salad bars.
Farm to School programs are connecting schools with local farms across Iowa. If you don’t have a program in your community, these tools can help you to get started: Tools to help your school purchase local food, Food safety and preparation tips, Purchasing rules and guidelines, Map of area schools and farms, Forms and templates
Visit here: Iowa Farm to School Toolkit
Food Service Resource Guide: Purchasing from local farmers, growers and producers. This guide is intended to be a starting point for restaurants, grocery stores and institutions looking to purchase from local growers.