Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Current Competitive Grant

Transitioning farmers to produce for wholesale markets

Project ID: M2012-12

This 2-year grant for $36,850 was awarded in 2012.

Location: Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek counties

The principal investigator will work with producers in northeast Iowa on Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) assessments and safety plans, coordinate the creation of marketing materials, seek out new producers and help existing producers expand, coordinate a peer mentor program, and set up a training workshop for good handling practices and post-harvest handling procedures.Project findings will help GROWN Locally meet increased demands for products

Johnice Cross

Johnice Cross Johnice Cross became the GROWN Locally Coordinator in October 2007. She has a degree in finance from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She is a member of the Northeast Iowa Farm to School team, handling local procurement, and is an active member of the Northeast Iowa Food and Farm Coalition. She owns the eco-friendly Cedar Dreams Inn and serves on the board of directors for the Oneota Community Food Cooperative in Decorah. [Contact lead investigator]

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

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Farm to institution, Fruit and vegetables