Founded in 1998, Iowa Valley RC&D’s influence is grounded in community, partnerships, and collaboration as we train and support farmers, build local food infrastructure, generate new innovative markets, improve access of locally grown foods, and model and communicate the positive impact of a future food system that nourishes people and place.

The Farmer Development Initiative provides education and technical support to beginning and experienced farmers in Iowa with the goal of increasing farm business viability and resilience. This initiative supports 75 farmers per year through on-farm demonstration, paid apprenticeships, fellowship programs, land and equipment access, and workshops.

The Value Chain Development Initiative works to connect the dots between producers and consumers of local food in Iowa; from the farm gate to the consumer’s plate. We work with partners across the state to lead advocacy and facilitate partnerships, design sustainable systems through market matchmaking and technical assistance.

A thriving food value chain in Iowa is one where everyone has access to the local food they want and farmers get a fair price so they can keep feeding our communities. The LFPA is one of the projects driving this local food value chain initiative.