Local Foods Resources
Value Added Processing
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing – Food business licensing information for the state of Iowa.
- Iowa Food Protection Task Force – This website is helpful for anyone interested in producing or marketing food in Iowa. The RESOURCES page is most helpful. The task force includes federal, state and government agencies, commodity groups, food related trade associations, food producers, academia and others.
- Preparing to Talk to Department of Inspection and Appeals- Things to know before you start food processing.
- Kitchen Connect – Based in Eastern Iowa, this website offers numerous resources that are relevant to Southwest Iowa, including information about regulations, licensing, labeling, pricing, food safety, and more.
- Value Added Producer Grants – USDA grant program designed to help agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, expanding market opportunities and increasing producer income. Next round of funding opens early 2026.
- Choose Iowa Grants – Choose Iowa markets local Iowa grown or produced products. Choose Iowa also has grants to support farmers, businesses and non-profit with their effort to increase or diversify their enterprise.
Local Food Resources
- Golden Hills RC&D
- ISU Extension & Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development
- Iowa Regional Food System Working Groups (RFSWG)
- RFSWG Google Group
- Iowa Food System Coalition
- Iowa Farm to School & Early Care Network
- Practical Farmers of Iowa
- Sustainable Iowa Land Trust
- Center For Rural Affairs
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Natural Resource Conservation Service
- Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
- Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
- Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
- ATTRA
- Growing Small Farms
- Harvest Public Media
- National Young Farmers Coalition
- Greenhorns
- ISU Small Farms & Acreage Sustainability
- Iowa Learning Farms
- The Big Garden
- Farmers Market Coalition
- How Can I Get Fresh Produce on a Budget?”