IFSC Responds to Iowa Farm Act, Emphasizes Food Producers and Implementation Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mallory DeVries | Communications
Email: communications@iowafoodsystemcoalition.org

January 7, 2026 – The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is closely reviewing the Iowa Farm Act announced this week by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. While the proposal reflects a broad range of agricultural priorities, several provisions directly intersect with long-standing food system goals advanced for decades by farmers, advocates, and IFSC partners across Iowa.

Among the most significant elements are provisions to codify Iowa’s farm-to-school program, strengthen Iowa’s agritourism framework, and prioritize young and beginning farmers in Choose Iowa grant programs.

For Iowa farmers growing food for schools, communities, and local markets, these proposals represent meaningful progress and long overdue policy recognition.

“This is the first time in a decade that food-focused priorities are playing a significant role in a flagship state agricultural package in Iowa,” said Tommy Hexter, Executive Director of the Iowa Food System Coalition. “That signals real momentum for Iowa’s food system and reflects years of work by farmers, food businesses, schools, and advocates across the state. We’re proud of our partners for bringing these goals for Iowa’s food and farm future to the forefront. As the bill text is released, the details will matter.”

IFSC partners expressed particularly strong support for the proposal to make farm-to-school purchasing permanent through the Choose Iowa program, which would create more stable and reliable connections between Iowa farmers and Iowa schools. “Permanent farm-to-school incentive programs create clearer, more reliable pathways between Iowa farmers, food hubs, and Iowa kids,” said Giselle Bruskewitz, Senior Program Director at Iowa Valley RC&D. “Reestablishing farm-to-school as a permanent program helps restore stability for producers while ensuring students have consistent access to local food. It’s a smart, long-term investment.”

As the Iowa Farm Act moves from proposal to legislation, IFSC emphasized that definitions, eligibility criteria, and implementation details will determine the extent to which these provisions truly support Iowa-based food producers and place-based food systems.

IFSC noted that based on the language released, many of these proposals may align closely with the Coalition’s 2026 policy priorities around land access, local food markets, and

connecting Iowa farms to Iowa families, and welcomes continued dialogue with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Secretary Naig as the proposal moves toward formal legislation.

“We’re encouraged by the direction signaled here,” Hexter added. “And we look forward to continuing work with our partners on the ground and further engagement with Secretary Naig’s office to ensure this momentum translates into durable, meaningful outcomes for Iowa’s food and farm future.”

Learn more about the Iowa Food System Coalition’s 2026 policy priorities and recommendations at iowafoodsystemcoalition.org/policy-recommendations.

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The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is a community of over 50 organizational partners and 600 individuals with professional and lived expertise, united to advance a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa. Through Setting the Table for All Iowans, our strategic roadmap, IFSC is leading efforts to increase local food consumption, build resilient rural communities, create economic opportunities, and improve the health of Iowans.