Something to be Proud of...

Something to be Proud of...

Accomplishments, whether big or small, are something to be celebrated. Thinking back to when my children were babies, every milestone was special. Their first smile, crawling, waving goodbye, first words, and of course, those memorable first steps. All of those “firsts” signaled growth and a new stage of life, full of opportunity.

As we move into a beautiful spring season and the landscape becomes green again, I think back upon my first year with the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP). Coming into this position as a self-proclaimed “city-girl,” I have learned so much in this rewarding time.

Engaging with farmers, visiting local businesses and family farms, coordinating consumer tours and events, and developing a deeper understanding of Iowa FFP’s partners have given me a whirlwind of amazing opportunities.

I’m so grateful for all the ways Iowa FFP has allowed me to expand my knowledge and passion for food, farming and agriculture. From farmers to industry leaders to engaged consumers, Iowa truly is a leader in so many sectors.

Boasting rankings, such as the top producing state of many foods and crops, including pork, eggs, corn and soybeans, and strong in beef, turkey and dairy production, farmers in Iowa play an essential role in feeding the U.S. Along with being ranked as the best state for opportunity, home to top universities in agriculture, medicine and law, and a strong focus on the arts and culture, Iowans can feel confident in the state being, in my opinion and one others appear to share, the best place to live, work and play.

Each year, Iowa FFP conducts a Consumer Pulse Survey. Approximately 700 Iowans who are the primary grocery shoppers in their households participate. The questions gauge perceptions of Iowa agriculture, farmer performance and grocery buying habits. Respondents’ demographics closely follow the state’s population.

The survey shows that 93% of shoppers are satisfied with Iowa agriculture, 84% feel that Iowa farmers are on the right track with providing safe foods to Iowa communities, and 84% think about how the food they eat is grown and raised. You can find a complete summary of the results on our website.

These survey results give Iowa FFP direction to drive editorial and partnership decisions. Consumer feedback is vitally important to programming choices, and we continue to seek new ways to engage with diverse groups of Iowans.

Looking at the areas in which Iowa leads the nation makes me feel honored to be part of an initiative, such as Iowa FFP, which embraces and celebrates the strengths and opportunities Iowa offers. As the Montgomery Gentry song goes, “That’s something to be proud of.”

Enjoy the issue,

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