Revolutionizing Iowa's Food System: Bringing Local Produce Back to the Heartland

In a surprising revelation, a collective of farmers and food distributors in Southeast Iowa have uncovered a startling statistic: a staggering 95% of the food grown in the state travels more than two-thousand miles before it is consumed. This eye-opening discovery has sparked a movement to keep Iowa-grown food within the state, ensuring that the bounty of the Hawkeye State benefits its own residents.

Reclaiming the Heartland's Culinary Heritage

Diversifying Iowa's Agricultural Landscape

The Iowa Farm Bureau reports that the state's agricultural landscape is dominated by the production of corn and soybeans, which are then shipped out to the global market. However, Bob Ferguson, the creator of the Southeast Iowa Food Web, believes that this trend can be reversed. "You could grow enough fruits and vegetables for all of Iowa and the 8 contiguous states on 1 Iowa county," he asserts, highlighting the untapped potential of the state's agricultural resources.Ferguson's vision is to inspire farmers to diversify their crops, dedicating a portion of their land to the production of fruits and vegetables for local consumption. This shift would not only reduce the distance food travels, but also provide Iowans with access to fresh, nutritious produce grown right in their own backyard.

Fostering Local Collaboration and Partnerships

Speakers from a local produce distributor emphasized the importance of collaboration within the local community. "The interest in locally-grown [produce] is growing, and you need partners to make it work," they stated, underscoring the need for farmers, distributors, and consumers to work together to build a sustainable food system.This collaborative approach extends beyond just produce; Steve Imhoff, from Triple Creek Farms, raises livestock that he and his wife strictly sell locally. "Knowing where my food is going, as well as giving a product to the local people, [means] they know where their food is coming from, that is healthy and nutritious," Imhoff explains.

Balancing Global and Local Markets

Imhoff acknowledges the importance of Iowa's global market for corn and soybeans, which is "much needed honestly for the Iowa economy." However, he believes it is essential to maintain a strong local market as well. "We still need to be able to maintain that local market as well," he emphasizes, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that supports both the state's global reach and its local food systems.

Empowering Consumers to Make Informed Choices

Ferguson and Imhoff believe that consumers play a crucial role in this movement to keep Iowa-grown food local. "71% of the U.S. Diet is now ultra-processed food. Ultra-processed food is not good for our health," Ferguson warns, urging consumers to be more mindful of what they're putting into their bodies.By encouraging consumers to buy local and support Iowa's farmers, the collective hopes to inspire a shift in the state's food landscape. This shift would not only benefit the local economy, but also provide Iowans with access to fresh, nutritious, and sustainably-produced food.As the movement gains momentum, the collective's vision of a thriving, locally-focused food system in Iowa is becoming a reality, one that promises to nourish both the state's residents and its agricultural heritage.