Cultivate: Local Food Connections

What’s Considered Local? Guidelines

Criteria to be included in the local food directory.

  • Fresh produce and commodities must be 100 percent grown or raised in Iowa.

  • Meat and meat products must be derived from animals born, raised and finished in Iowa. 

  • Dairy products must be from animals in Iowa and processing must take place in a state-inspected plant located in the state of Iowa.

  • Eggs must be from animals in Iowa.

  • Apicultural products produced by honeybees, including honey, wax, pollen and propolis must be 100 percent of Iowa origin. Honey products must utilize honey that is 100 percent of Iowa origin.

  • Beer or cider must be produced in Iowa and contain at least one Iowa agricultural product, such as Iowa malt, hops, apples, corn, or soluble remnant, excluding water.

  • Wine must contain a minimum of 75 percent Iowa grapes.

  • Spirits must be distilled in Iowa and contain at least one Iowa agricultural product, excluding water. 

Questions? Contact Us.