The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) continues to champion local agriculture by supporting the Choose Iowa program, a state-branded initiative connecting consumers with Iowa-grown, raised, and made products. Launched in 2022, Choose Iowa has grown to include over 85 members across 50 counties, offering marketing assistance and brand recognition to farmers and producers. To further bolster this initiative, IDALS provides Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to help farmers, businesses, and non-profits increase or diversify their agricultural product offerings.
Recognizing the importance of horticulture, the department is now expanding its focus to include specialty crops, aiming to enhance the diversity and availability of Iowa’s agricultural products. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig talks about this addition.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig emphasizes the deep-rooted role that horticulture has played throughout the state’s agricultural history. He notes that Iowans have long appreciated home-grown, non-food items such as flowers, ornamental plants, and landscaping products. Expanding the Choose Iowa program to include these products helps strengthen local economies while celebrating the diversity of what Iowa producers can offer.
As the Choose Iowa program continues to grow, it offers even more ways for consumers to support local producers and discover high-quality Iowa-made goods. To explore participating businesses or learn how to get involved, visit ChooseIowa.com.
