Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is asking lawmakers to increase funding for the state’s “Choose Iowa” program, which supports individuals and businesses producing products ranging from locally grown food to trees and soy candles.
The program, which launched in 2023, requires a $100 annual enrollment fee. Participation grew 113 percent last year, reflecting expanding interest from Iowa-based producers and small businesses.
Naig is requesting a $300,000 increase in the program’s budget. Part of that funding would be used to hire a staff member with retail experience to help Choose Iowa businesses identify new markets and sales opportunities for their products.
