(Des Moines) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting applications for the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants. These competitive, cost-share grants help farmers, small businesses, and non-profits add value to Iowa-grown products. Grants of up to $25,000 per project are available to support efforts like expanding processing capacity, upgrading equipment, and creating new customer-ready products.
Naig says, “The demand for local Iowa products is growing, and Choose Iowa helps businesses capture that momentum. He adds that these grants turn innovative ideas into reality and strengthen rural communities by increasing access to fresh, local products.”
Eligible projects include investments in processing, packaging, sales, equipment, facilities, and food safety improvements, as well as workforce training. However, meat and dairy processing projects are not eligible for this program but may qualify for other related grants.
Since 2022, the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant Program has awarded nearly $1.64 million in grants, supporting 100 projects and generating $5.6 million in total investment.
Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. CST on January 16, 2026, and recipients will be announced in spring 2026. For more information, visit the Choose Iowa website or email ChooseIowaGrant@IowaAgriculture.gov.
Choose Iowa is the state’s branding program promoting Iowa-grown, Iowa-made, and Iowa-raised products. Launched by Secretary Naig, it now has over 300 members statewide, enhancing the visibility of local food and agricultural products. For more information, visit the Choose Iowa website or email ChooseIowa@IowaAgriculture.gov.
