An Iowa apple a day

A Leopold Center report on apples is the focus of a new Iowa State University Extension publication and educational presentation.

Iowa-Grown Apples outlines the advantages of eating locally-grown apples and tells how to find Iowa orchards that sell them. The fact sheet from Iowa State University Extension is based on a 1999 report by Leopold Center education coordinator Rich Pirog and Center intern John Tyndall that tells the story of how Iowa once was a leading apple-producing state. They use apples to explore the potential of local food systems and agricultural diversification in Iowa.

Apples also are used in an educational presentation by ISU Extension nutritionist Betsy Schafer and nutrition assistant Oksana Matvienko. The presentation is designed to help consumers understand how their choices between locally grown or "imported" apples influence local communities, the environment and the family food supply.

The fact sheet (PM 1863) is available from any county extension office. The presentation is available to local groups by extension specialists who work in nutrition and related areas. Several secondary school teachers also have requested the fact sheet and lesson for use in their classes.