Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Building a direct-to-consumer distribution system in Iowa

Project ID: M2007-19

Abstract

Farmers interested in direct market distribution of their products were able to use information from the experiences in other states to help start a cooperative that sells products in a Des Moines shopping mall.

Key Question: Can a food distribution system that is owned by consumers and producers and that uses the internet to facilitate commerce be successfully developed and launched in Iowa?

Findings: Yes. Iowa farmers have a new option available to secure customers for their products. By joining the Iowa Food Cooperative, they can offer their products to other cooperative members using the internet. Products purchased are then delivered to a distribution site in Des Moines. In its first year of operations, nearly $60,000 worth of a wide variety of products was sold using this system.

Lead investigator: Gary Huber, Practical Farmers of Iowa

Year of grant completion: 2010

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

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Farm to institution, Food miles, food pathways, food system assessments