Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Strengthening the local and regional food system in the Iowa Valley: Iowa Valley Regional Food Initiative

Project ID: M2008-17

Abstract

Creating a local food system can be by achieved more efficiently by assembling a strategic plan with input from a variety of stakeholders and interested parties.

Key Question: What are effective ways for local producers to network with area consumers in order to develop a sustainable market for locally grown foods?

Findings: Facilitated meetings provide a terrific opportunity for local producers to meet with area consumers and public officials to discuss policy and marketing opportunities. An effective local foods organization, such as I-Food, offers producers a forum in which to exchange ideas, learn from experts and other producers, and disseminate information about their production through the associated web site, producer list and related publications.

Lead investigator: Alexander S. Moffett, Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development

Year of grant completion: 2009

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

Topics: Community-based food systems, Supply networks