Iowa Ag department seeks budget hike to expand Choose Iowa program

The $1.3 million request would cover operational costs and grow the state's local food marketing initiative.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has requested a $1.3 million increase to its total operating fund, with the majority of the funding going towards operational costs and $300,000 earmarked to expand the Choose Iowa program. Choose Iowa is a state-run marketing initiative that helps promote Iowa-raised agricultural products. The department is also proposing a comprehensive 'Iowa Farm Act' that would further expand Choose Iowa and establish a school purchasing program.

Why it matters

The Choose Iowa program has seen significant growth since launching in 2023, with a 113% increase in membership in 2025. The program aims to support small, young and beginning farmers by providing grants and helping them expand their businesses and access new markets, including through partnerships with schools. Expanding Choose Iowa aligns with the state's goals of boosting local food production and rural economic development.

The details

The $1.3 million budget increase request would cover a 2% across-the-board salary increase for department staff, rising health insurance and workers compensation costs, as well as $300,000 to develop a retail and distribution system for the Choose Iowa program. This would help participating farmers sell larger quantities of their products on a more predictable basis. The department also plans to hire a staff member to facilitate these retail and distribution partnerships.

  • The Choose Iowa program launched in 2023.
  • In 2025, Choose Iowa saw 113% growth in membership.
  • The department has responded to ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza since 2022, dedicating significant resources to foreign animal disease preparedness.

The players

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture who presented the department's budget request and proposed 'Iowa Farm Act' to a House appropriations subcommittee.

Choose Iowa

A state-run marketing program that helps promote Iowa-raised agricultural products and provides grants to local food producers to expand their businesses.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)

The state agency that oversees the Choose Iowa program and is requesting a $1.3 million budget increase to cover operational costs and expand the initiative.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What we're finding is there's a real opportunity here for beginning, small, young farmers. A lot of rural impact here as well, it's growing an economy, it's creating more market opportunities for folks, and it's giving Iowans something they're looking for.”

— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

What’s next

The proposed 'Iowa Farm Act' that would further expand the Choose Iowa program and establish a school purchasing initiative still needs to advance through the legislative process.

The takeaway

The Iowa Department of Agriculture's budget request and legislative proposals demonstrate the state's commitment to supporting local food production, rural economic development, and preparing for emerging threats like foreign animal diseases. Expanding the Choose Iowa program is a key part of these efforts to boost opportunities for small, young and beginning farmers.