A survey of Iowa's commercial horticulture food crops industry has reported direct specialty crop sales of more than US$79 million in 2022, with further economic output linked to the sector. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) released the 2023 survey results, marking the first comprehensive review since 2015.
The survey covered specialty crop producers of vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, herbs, mushrooms, and pumpkins. More than 850 producers participated, reporting 4,715 hectares of specialty crops grown in 2023. Sales from these farms had an estimated statewide economic output of US$66.5 million in 2023 and supported US$29.9 million in labor.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig stated that the results "confirm the economic strength of specialty crop producers" and described the sector as "an important part of our agricultural economy."
Most farms are small-scale and produce multiple crops, with nearly half of the respondents under the age of 35. The average producer age was 57.2 years, lower than the national average of 58.1 years. Many farmers hold additional employment, with 37% working full-time jobs outside of farming. The average farm size was 3.2 hectares, though the median was 1.1 hectares. Only 4% of farms reported having crop insurance.
The number of specialty farms declined from 1,400 in 1989 to 938 in 2000, but has since recovered to 1,680 in 2023. Sales of edible specialty crops increased by 73% between 2012 and 2022, adjusted for inflation.
Farmers reported producing an average of 3.8 different specialty crops. Peppers, apples, tomatoes, and lettuce were the leading crops in 2022. The number of honey producers has expanded from fewer than 200 in 1997 to 1,229 in 2022, while other leading crops had between 400 and 550 producers each.
Diversification through on-farm activities was common, with nearly 60% of farms engaging in agritourism, which generated US$6.6 million in income in 2023. Value-added products, including canned produce and wine, accounted for US$11.3 million in sales. Producers who marketed through Community Supported Agriculture or farmers' markets reported higher crop diversity.
According to IDALS, the survey results will support lawmakers and department leaders in shaping policies to strengthen the sector. The report was developed in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Source: Iowa Capital Dispatch
