Iowa Extension Offers ‘Growing Urban Agriculture’ Series

By Andi Anderson

Urban agriculture continues to expand across Iowa and throughout the United States, and many farmers working in city and suburban areas face unique challenges.

To support these growers, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Urban Agriculture Program has introduced a new series of publications designed to strengthen urban farming success. The “Growing Urban Agriculture” series offers practical guidance on conservation assistance, local government processes and pest management in diverse growing spaces.

The first publication, titled “USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistance for Urban Farmers,” explains how producers can access federal programs that support soil health, high tunnels, irrigation and other conservation practices.

The resource, authored by Andrew Thomason, USDA‑NRCS state outreach coordinator, describes two major programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. It also provides information on eligibility requirements, conservation standards and where producers can find their local USDA service center.

A second publication, “Urban Farming: Working with Local Governments,” focuses on the rules that guide farm activities in cities. Urban farms often operate within zoning districts and must follow licensing, permitting and land‑use rules that vary from community to community.

This guide, written by Kristiana Coutu, director of the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State University, helps farmers understand how local policies work. It explains key legal terms, zoning categories, permits and even the steps involved in entering city lease agreements.

The third publication, “Pest Management for Urban Farms,” addresses the variety of insects commonly found in dense urban growing systems. Urban farms often plant many types of crops in small areas, creating conditions that attract different pests.

Author Ashley Dean, field crop entomology extension specialist, introduces growers to Integrated Pest Management, a system that emphasizes prevention and ecological strategies.

The publication includes information on scouting, identification and control of pests such as cucumber beetles, squash bugs, aphids, Colorado potato beetles and Japanese beetles. It also highlights low‑chemical approaches preferred by many urban producers.

All three publications are available at no cost through the ISU Extension Store. Additional resources can be found on the ISU Extension and Outreach Urban Agriculture Program website. For further information, readers may contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic