Three businesses in Fairfield are among those receiving a boost from the State of Iowa to expand local food production and agricultural products.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that 30 projects statewide have been awarded Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants, totaling $500,000. The funding helps farmers and small businesses grow their operations and bring more Iowa-made products to market.
Among the recipients, three Fairfield businesses were selected.
Jefferson County Ciderworks received $25,000 to install a new six-head canning line, which will expand processing capacity and allow for new product lines using Iowa-grown ingredients.
Mundo Lindo Farm was also awarded $25,000. The farm plans to convert a grain bin into a retail store, complete with refrigeration, offering products from their operation and other local producers.
And Pickle Creek Herbs received just over $20,000 to build a new washing and packing facility, along with cold storage and freeze-drying equipment to extend the life of herbs and produce.
State officials say the program continues to grow in popularity, with more than four times as many applications as available funding this year.
Since launching in 2022, the Choose Iowa program has supported 130 projects statewide, helping expand local food production and create new economic opportunities in communities like Fairfield.
Officials say the investments reflect increasing consumer demand for locally grown and made products, while helping small businesses scale up and reach new markets.