Iowa Horticulture Survey Shows Strong $66 Million Output

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced results from the 2023 Iowa Commercial Horticulture Food Crops Survey, marking the first statewide assessment of the sector since 2015.

The report shows that specialty crop producers are playing an increasingly vital role in Iowa’s economy, contributing $66.5 million in economic output and strengthening local food systems.

Secretary Naig shared the results during the Great Apple Crunch, a celebration of Iowa-grown apples. He emphasized that horticulture “is an important part of our agricultural economy and a defining feature of the diversity and vibrancy of Iowa agriculture.”

Naig noted that with the Choose Iowa program expanding, the state’s horticulture industry is poised for continued growth and new opportunities for beginning farmers.

The survey found that 857 commercial specialty crop producers farmed 11,650 acres in 2023, with an average farm size of 7.8 acres. Iowa now has an estimated 1,680 edible specialty crop farms, showing strong recovery since the pandemic.

Nearly one-third of producers are beginning farmers, signaling a generational shift in Iowa’s agriculture.

Economic data shows $79 million in 2022 sales and $41 million in 2023 direct sales, generating over $42 million in value-added activity and supporting 367 jobs statewide.

The top crops included honey, peppers, apples, tomatoes, and lettuce, while on-farm stores and farmers markets remained key sales channels.

Notably, 21% of producers use cover crops and 8% grow certified organic crops, reflecting the sector’s growing sustainability focus. The findings were compiled through collaboration among Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Practical Farmers of Iowa, with support from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

By identifying trends and opportunities, the survey provides a roadmap for supporting Iowa’s specialty crop farmers and guiding future growth in local, sustainable food production.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska