A Kalona man has been named to the newly formed Iowa Organic Advisory Council. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the formation of the council within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Edwin Hershberger of Kalona is one of seven Iowans to serve on the council. 

Previously a similar Organic Advisory Council existed, but in the 2014 legislative session it was eliminated from Iowa Code. Secretary Naig is establishing this council to obtain stakeholder feedback and input within the Department. The state’s Agricultural Diversification and Market Development Bureau will provide updates on the Department’s Organic Program. 

The seven members include two who represent livestock or dairy production who are certified organic, two certified organic crop producers, one involved in retail, an individual in education, and an Iowan representing a certified organic processing or handling operation. The council will meet once annually with additional meetings as needed. The terms are two years.