Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Strengthening the local and regional food system in the Iowa Valley

Project ID: M2007-17

Abstract

Local leaders, residents, and food producers band together to form a collaborative food system in the Iowa Valley region.

Key Question: How do we stimulate interest in local foods in Iowa?

Findings: This project showed that widespread interest exists among Iowa Valley policy makers, consumers and citizens in promoting production of local foods and in facilitating their sales and distribution to local consumers. There is an increasing demand for local food in this region, and a growing network of producers that can be utilized as a resource for new producers. This project also has identified problems as well as opportunities for local food producers, and laid the groundwork for addressing areas of concern.

Lead investigator: Alexander Moffett, Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development, et al

Year of grant completion: 2008

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Community-based food systems