Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Monday that 30 farmers, small businesses and organizations across the state received funding from the Choose Iowa-Value Added Grants Program administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
The grants were awarded in Slater during the final day of Iowa Ag Week, an event that celebrates farmers and agricultural communities. The program provides up to $25,000 in cost-share funding per recipient to increase production and availability of Iowa-grown food, beverages and other agricultural products.
The funding is part of Choose Iowa’s initiative to increase local food production and strengthen Iowa communities by providing more economic opportunities.
“Consumers increasingly want more local food and beverages and that’s great news for Iowa farmers,” Naig said, according to an IDALS news release. “By investing alongside these businesses, we are helping meet growing consumer demand while creating economic opportunities in communities across the state.”
In total, $500,000 was distributed to 30 recipients statewide, with 10 receiving the maximum $25,000 award.
Recipients of the top award include:
- Iowa Food Hub: Decorah
- Jefferson County Ciderworks: Fairfield
- Mundo Lindo Farm: Fairfield
- Yoder Family Farms Pork: Lone Tree
- Enchanted Evergreens: Newton
- EcoPrime: Osage
- Home Kneads: Slater
- Kittleson Bros.: Ansgar
- Minerva’s Meadow: State Center
- WW Homestead Dairy: Waukon
Since its implementation in 2022, the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant Program has awarded more than $2.14 million to 130 farmers, businesses and organizations across the state.
