Horticulture and Farmers Markets | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Some 200 farmers markets in Iowa provide direct marketing outlets for fresh locally grown produce; baked goods; and a variety of products from eggs to meat, wine, cheese and crafts. Staff within the Department's Ag Diversification and Marketing Bureau provides technical assistance to community organizers to assist them in establishing, developing and sustaining farmers markets in their communities.

Along with the Iowa Farmers Market Association, the Ag Diversification and Marketing Bureau co-sponsors the annual Farmers Market Workshop geared to managers and vendors. This one day workshop typically held in February offers attendees a wide range of information of interest to stakeholders.

CARES Act Funding

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the creation of a Local Produce and Protein Program. Gov. Reynolds has allocated $500,000 through CARES Act funding to help Iowa schools purchase locally-grown products from Iowa farmers impacted by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions. The funding will be awarded through three grant programs administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

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