The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 revealed the crucial role local food systems can play in community food security. The nation’s food systems practitioners have identified professional development opportunities as a pressing need in addressing food security and equity. ISU Extension led a national team in developing a national database of practitioners and educational resources. The … Continue reading New database provides national resources for food systems practitioners
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship developed the Choose Iowa™ campaign to: create support for farmers drive demand for the products they produce, and generate excitement about agriculture innovation happening in Iowa. Thanks to a USDA Farm to School grant, the Iowa Department of Education can now expand the campaign to schools, childcare … Continue reading Iowa Food of the Month materials now available free to schools, daycares
by Olivia Hanlon, FFED education extension specialist The pandemic provided opportunity for specialty producers in Iowa to expand production and sales. However, managing risk for specialty production is critical to capitalizing on new market opportunities. The Small Farms team of FFED sponsored a series of webinars for specialty crop producers in January, February and March … Continue reading Specialty crops risk management webinars available online
The 2021 Virtual Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Conference is Friday, June 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is free! Click here to register by June 10. Teachers, early care professionals, food service staff, farmers, school garden coordinators and others are welcome. We will share ideas, resources and successes to grow … Continue reading Farm to school and early care conference is June 11