LOVILIA, Iowa — The Iowa Food Systems coalition recently released its plan to make the state’s food system more sustainable, accessible and economical.
Representatives from about 40 different organizations from all around the state contributed to the more than 200-page document, including Beth Hoffman.
Hoffman is the co-owner of Whippoorwill Creek and has been raising pasture-grazed cattle for the past six years.
“We wanted everything to go to consumers who care about where their food comes from and who wanted it a particular way,” Hoffman said.
For the “Setting the Table for All Iowans” plan she primarily worked on ways to better educate Iowans about agriculture. She wants to teach Iowans that farmers can grow much more than just corn.
Another priority laid out in the plan is diversifying crop production throughout the state.
According to the USDA, in Iowa, 23 million acres are used for corn and soybean production. Meanwhile only 12,650 acres are used for vegetable, fruit and berry production.
“We’re talking about modern society,” Hoffman said. “We’re not talking about no one should grow corn anymore. That’s not at all what we’re talking about.”
A third priority is to get all of the fresh produce directly in the hands of Iowans through selling it at local grocery stores.
“If you go to Hyvee or Fareway, very little of it is grown in the state,” Hoffman said. “Yet we’re a state that’s primarily an agriculture state. Why we’re not growing food that we can actually put on our tables and make healthy food for our families is a good question.”
The Iowa Food Systems Coalition still needs support from state leaders to bring its plan to life. The coalition plans on lobbying during the next legislative session.