Founded in 1998, Iowa Valley RC&D’s influence is grounded in community, partnerships, and collaboration. The non profit trains and supports farmers, builds local food infrastructure, generates new innovative markets, improves access of locally grown foods, and models and communicates the positive impact of a future food system that nourishes people and place.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship exists to connect Iowans with programs and information about crops, food safety standards, livestock and more. We work together with local farmers markets and Iowa farmers to continue to support the robust industry and culture Iowa has focused around agriculture.

Practical Farmers of Iowa’s mission is equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Practical Farmers of Iowa is an inclusive organization representing a diversity of farmers. Farmers in our network raise corn and soybeans, hay, livestock large and small, horticultural crops from fruits and vegetables to cut flowers and herbs, and more. Our members have conventional and organic systems; employ diverse management practices; run operations of all sizes; and come from a range of backgrounds. These farmers come together, however, because they believe in nature as the model for agriculture and they are committed to moving their operations toward sustainability.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach supports value-added agriculture enterprises, small farms, and regional food systems through research, education, and community engagement.