Agriculture Secretary Naig welcomes nominations for the Advisory Council on Local Food and Farming Programs
Nominations must be submitted by October 15th
DESMOINES, Iowa (September 19, 2022) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today welcomed Iowa and interested organizations to appoint qualified individuals to serve on the local food and agriculture program advisory board. The council supports and advises nationwide efforts to increase the availability of locally grown, farmed and produced food.
“One of my top priorities as Secretary of Agriculture is to expand markets for Iowa farmers internationally, nationally and locally. We have an opportunity here in Iowa to help shorten supply chains by increasing the availability of locally grown, farmed and produced meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables and other foods,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “The Local Food and Farm Advisory Council is helping to guide the strategy and effort to increase the availability of local food across the state, and we are looking for individuals passionate about caring about local food to serve on the council.”
Nominations are being sought for the following positions:
- A rancher
- A poultry producer
- A milk producer
- A fruit or vegetable producer
- A meat or milk processing machine
- A fruit or vegetable processor
- A manager of a local food wholesaler or a food hub manager
- A grocery store engaged in the purchasing and marketing of locally sourced food
- A food service provider that distributes food to a K-12 facility or early care provider
- A food service provider that distributes food to a facility that does not serve school children
- Lawyer specializing in food and agricultural law
- Two people involved in local or regional food organizations such as food banks or farmers markets
- A government agency worker who specializes in nutrition programs
The revitalization and expansion of membership of the Local Food and Farm Advisory Council was a recommendation of the 2021 Farm to Table Task Force, co-chaired by Secretary Naig and John Lawrence, Iowa State University’s vice president for expansion and public affairs. During the 2022 Iowa legislative session, this recommendation was passed by the Iowa General Assembly.
To nominate an individual, nominees should send a brief letter (100 words maximum) summarizing the nominee’s local food experience and qualifications to Colin Tadlock at [email protected] Nominees should provide the nominee’s name, title, organization, position for which they are being nominated, and contact information. Nominations must be submitted by October 15th.
