Iowa farmers turn to fruit, vegetable crops

An increasing number of Iowa farmers are growing fruits and vegetables, according to results of the latest survey of commercial producers from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

Nearly 500 growers reported selling vegetables during the 2000 crop year, accounting for more than 8,400 acres of vegetable production that resulted in $15.9 million in sales. Nearly 300 growers reported selling fruits, berries and nuts during the 2000 crop year, accounting for more than 1,600 acres of fruit production that resulted in $3.8 million in sales.

By far the most popular venue for fruit and vegetable sales is at farmers markets. The survey showed that nearly two-thirds of all growers sell at farmers markets. Iowa is number one in the nation per capita for farmers' markets, and fifth in the nation in the number of new markets established.

The survey was conducted in the spring of 2001, the first since 1989. It was funded by IDALS and with grants from the Leopold Center, Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Results were published July 2002 and released in September.

Other findings:

• Farmers are growing a wider variety of fruit and vegetable crops. Twenty of the 23 common vegetables in the survey were grown by more farmers.

• Sweet corn sales totaled $5.5 million, a 65 percent increase; apple sales were $2.9 million, up 16 percent; and melon sales were $2.7 million, up 119 percent.

• Sixty-one percent of the survey participants reported an increased demand for locally grown produce, leading 42 percent to expand their operations.

• Thirty-three percent of survey participants reported growing some portion of their crops organically.

For a copy of the report, Iowa Commercial Horticulture Survey, contact State Horticulturist Mike Bevins, (515) 242-5043.