Iowa has some of the best soils in the world and a good climate for growing crops; yet as a state, we import more than 80 percent of our food. A study by the Leopold Center found that 16 common crops that grow in Iowa travel an average of 1500 miles to reach grocery stores here. Bought from local growers, the food traveled only 56 miles.
Research has shown that of each dollar spent at a traditional food market, only 9 cents goes to the producer as compared to a farmer’s market where 80-90 cents is retained by the producer.
The Local Food Directory and the Iowa Fresh Food website currently highlight producers in Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. Producers outside of the region are welcome to participate. We invite you to browse our pages packed with resources for consumers and producers.
9/17/2010