Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/27/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Mary Holz-Clause, Extension Value Added Ag, 515-294-0648, mclause@iastate.edu
Carolyn Corbin, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning, 563-864-7551
James Hosch, Clayton County Extension Director, 563-245-1451, jhosch@iastate.edu
Opportunities Available for Value-Added Agriculture in Northeast Iowa
Clayton County, Iowa--A recent project examining value-added agricultural industries in northeast Iowa indicates there are opportunities for growth. The study mapped the existing value-added businesses in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties, included input from local town meetings, and provided a background for market researchers to suggest other value-added agricultural opportunities in the region.
"The study team recognizes the significant potential in the region for development in agri-tourism, specialty cheese and meat production and marketing, bio-energy, forestry, soy product development, and small scale farming," said Carolyn Corbin, economic development coordinator with the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. For example, the study found that the specialty and artisan cheese markets will grow at a rate of more than 20 percent in the next five years.
Also included in the study is detailed information about the development process, how to use the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) asset maps, where to place a new business and specific siting requirements for some industries. A CD-ROM of the asset maps is also included with the report.
"We intend to use this report as a starting point to recruit agricultural businesses to the area, as well as to encourage local residents to start businesses in the area," says Corbin.
The study was funded in part by a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Administration. Iowa State University Extension Value-Added Ag conducted the study with support from Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC and D) and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission.
Electronic copies of the study can be obtained by contacting Carolyn Corbin at Upper Explorerland at (563) 864-7551 or c_corbin2000@yahoo.com. Copies of the study are also available at libraries in Clayton County and at Iowa State University Extension county offices in Waukon, Decorah, Elkader, Fayette and Cresco.
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