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Riverside Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Grants Boost Local Businesses Across KCII Region
Farmers, small companies, and organizations in Riverside, Lone Tree, Fairfield, and Conesville receive state funding to expand operations.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:40pm
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The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 30 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants totaling $500,000 to businesses across the state, including several in the KCII radio listening area. The grants will help fund projects like upgrading production facilities, building new farm stores, and purchasing equipment to expand market reach.
Why it matters
These grants provide critical support to local food producers, processors, and retailers in rural Iowa communities, helping them grow their businesses, create jobs, and make fresh, locally-sourced products more accessible to consumers.
The details
In Riverside, Golden Hills Apiary received $5,758.90 to invest in a modern honey extraction and bottling line. In Lone Tree, Yoder Family Farms Pork was awarded $25,000 to construct a central farm store building. Three businesses in Fairfield were funded - Jefferson County Ciderworks got $25,000 for a new canning line, Mundo Lindo Farm received $25,000 to convert a grain bin into a retail space, and Pickle Creek Herbs was awarded $20,216.35 to build an on-farm produce washing and packing facility. Buser's Produce in Conesville received $7,500 to purchase a refrigerated semi-trailer.
- The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship awarded the grants in April 2026.
- The grant recipients have until the end of 2026 to complete their funded projects.
The players
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
The state agency that oversees agricultural programs and initiatives, including the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants.
Golden Hills Apiary
A honey producer in Riverside, Iowa that received a grant to upgrade its extraction and bottling equipment.
Yoder Family Farms Pork
A pork producer in Lone Tree, Iowa that received a grant to build a central farm store building.
Jefferson County Ciderworks
A cider producer in Fairfield, Iowa that received a grant to purchase a new canning line.
Mundo Lindo Farm
A farm in Fairfield, Iowa that received a grant to convert a grain bin into a retail space.
Pickle Creek Herbs
A herb farm in Fairfield, Iowa that received a grant to build an on-farm produce washing and packing facility.
Buser's Produce
A produce farm in Conesville, Iowa that received a grant to purchase a refrigerated semi-trailer.
What’s next
The grant recipients have until the end of 2026 to complete their funded projects and put the new equipment, facilities, and infrastructure to use.
The takeaway
The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants are a valuable program that empowers small, local food businesses across Iowa to expand their operations, reach new markets, and strengthen the state's agricultural economy.
