Choose Iowa program promotes state products

SIOUX CITY—Iowa grows corn and soybeans only? Not exactly.

Numerous food items that are produced or processed in Iowa can be found on grocer’s shelves. In the past, they have been difficult to locate. But a new program called Choose Iowa will make it easier to recognize the products.

“It used to be exotic to buy food items from long distances away,” said Bill Northey, Iowa’s secretary of agriculture. “But now it’s becoming more popular to buy food that is locally grown. Normally, Iowa is not thought of as a food state. We certainly are well known for our ethanol, corn, soybeans, beef, pork and poultry products. Just look around, Iowa grows a lot of food.”

That is certainly what impressed Gary Worral, Fareway’s vice president for the western region. “I was surprised at how many foods are produced right here in Iowa. The grocery industry is responding to the consumer’s desire to eat locally grown foods. Iowa grown products on our shelves directly supports the local economies. When they are successful, their businesses grow, the local economy grows. It’s a win-win situation.”

Indeed the Choose Iowa Program is a joint effort between Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Stewardship and Iowa Grocery Industry Association. It’s a partnership designed to encourage and recognize Iowa and its foods as well aid Iowa’s ag-based businesses.

Northey said he thinks Choose Iowa will also encourage entrepreneureship. By increasing the visibility of Iowa products and making consumers more aware where the products are being produced or manufactured, there will hopefully be more incentive for others to get involved as well, whether it be opening a new business in the state, promoting new ideas, or even doing more production in Iowa.

The list of Iowan products continues to grow. At its beginning there are more than 200 items listed on the product list. The number of ag businesses participating is growing as more people hear about Choose Iowa and identify with its goals.

To qualify for the program, the product must be either grown, raised, processed or manufactured in Iowa. Both food and non-food items can be included. Guidelines and an application form can be found at the www.chooseiowa.com Web site. There is a $25 fee. As a member of the Choose Iowa program the grower or processor has the privilege of using the Choose Iowa logo. Their products will also receive more attention through many different venues of advertising.

This program makes it easier for participating restaurants, stores and businesses to identify which food items that might have been harvested in Iowa. They are also given materials that help to highlight those products. These businesses are also listed on the Choose Iowa Web site.

Contact Renae B. Vander Schaaf at renaefarmnews@gmail.com