By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Choose Iowa initiative, a program that was officially launched at the Iowa State Fair in 2023.
Choose Iowa has quickly become the state’s signature brand for products that are grown, raised, and made within Iowa, reflecting the growing consumer demand for local foods and agricultural products.
Choose Iowa is more than just a label; it represents a commitment to creating new markets for Iowa farmers and providing consumers with more choices.
By highlighting locally sourced products, the initiative connects consumers directly to the farmers and producers who bring food from the farm to their tables. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig attributes the success of Choose Iowa to the increasing trend of consumers wanting to know the origins of their food and supporting local agriculture.
“We know that consumers are increasingly wanting to buy local,” said Naig. “They want to know where things come from. They’d like to be connected to a farmer. It’s about having a great experience with your food, eating at a restaurant that sources locally, doing a meal at a farm with the producer right there telling you about where these products come from, and looking for those things at the farmers market or on the grocery store shelf. There’s a tremendous amount of demand for this.”
The Choose Iowa initiative taps into this demand, offering consumers a variety of locally grown and produced goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy products, and even beverages.
The program also encourages restaurants and retailers to source their ingredients locally, further boosting the state’s agricultural economy.
As the initiative enters its second year, the Iowa Department of Agriculture is focused on expanding the program to include even more producers and products, ensuring that the Choose Iowa brand continues to thrive and meet the needs of both farmers and consumers.
The success of the Choose Iowa initiative is a testament to the strength of Iowa’s agricultural community and the growing interest in local, sustainable food practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy