Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is reminding Iowans that the deadline to apply for a Choose Iowa grant is Friday, December 15. 

Choose Iowa was formed with the goal of expanding the availability of Iowa-grown, Iowa-raised, and Iowa-made foods, beverages, and other agricultural products. These grants match up to $25,000 per project to help farmers, businesses, and non-profits increase or diversify their product offerings, which provide more local food choices to consumers. 

In its first two years, the program received hundreds of applications, ultimately awarding 41 grants. In 2022, ChopLocal in Wayland was selected for a $25,000 grant to increase access to its online meat marketplace. This year, Organic Greens in Kalona received the same amount to enhance its fruit and vegetable processing, as well as to expand its cold storage capacity. 

Grants are available for individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations currently living or operating in Iowa. Preference will be given to small or medium-sized businesses, and all recipients will be announced in March 2024. For more information, including applications, financial matching requirements, and eligibility, click here.