Iowa Initiatives to Support Underserved Farmers

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reports that Iowa organizations are launching initiatives to help underserved agricultural producers and landowners, with $4.3 million in federal funding through the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program. Several organizations are partnering to establish the New Century Farm Fellowship, a two-year program at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm supporting beginning farmers who are people of color. In addition, Feed Iowa First will be expanding its three-year Equitable Land Access program in Cedar Rapids that helps skilled immigrant farmers transition to sustainable agriculture. The other Iowa initiative that received funding will determine the needs of underrepresented farmers, design educational materials, and develop a mentorship program and producer network.