United Group Insurance

ISU to hold local food summit on April 3

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 8th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Organizers of a local food summit set for April 3 at Iowa State University want producers, distributors, educators, policymakers, and consumers to join in a conversation about how to boost production and use of locally grown food. The Iowa Legislature created the Local Food and Farm Program last year to promote lowa-grown livestock, eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables, and other products. The study that led to creation of the program indicated that Iowans spend about $8 billion a year on food, but only about 14 percent is grown in the state. The summit, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ISU, will include discussion on business development and financial assistance, food safety, beginning and minority farmer programs, and local food incentives.