Presentation given at the Midwest Value Added Conference in Eau Claire, WI in January 2010.

1. Investing in the future of Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek Counties

2. Photo of Karst Topography

3. Map of tributaries and water resources

5. “ Why don’t we grow our own food in the American Heartland?”

7. Why Local Food Fits

8. Total Ag Sales = $685 million 63% of farm income is from livestock Source: 2002 Ag Census County Farms Acres in farming Average Farm Size Allamakee 1083 80% 301 Clayton 1601 87% 270 Fayette 1344 89% 309 Howard 891 89% 302 Winneshiek 1501 86% 253 State Avg 916 89% 350

11. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Dollars Spent on Food each Year Total Income = $1.29 Billion County Food at home (million $) Food away from home (million $) Total (million $) Allamakee 19 14 33 Clayton 24 19 43 Fayette 28 22 50 Howard 13 10 23 Winneshiek 25 19 44 Total 109 (56%) 84 (44%) 193

13. The Impact

14. 1. Creation of a learning community

15. 2. Developed a strategic plan

21. 6. Increased commitment to buying local Table 1. Sales of locally grown foods by producers in August 2008- June 09. # Reports Local food sales Total sales 2007 1 52,620.00 52,620.00 2008 Previous 1 54,919.00 $67,719.00 New 2 12,800.00 2009 Previous 3 149,605.77 $638,600.46 New 10 488,944.69

22. 6. Increased commitment to buying local Increased purchases by institutions from local producers in 2008-09. # Institutions Local food purchases Total purchases 2007 2 $94,021.00 $94,021.00 2008 Previous 3 $313,169.67 $320,669.67 New 3 $19,244.00 2009 Previous 3 $507,207.31 $544,659.53 New 12 $37,452.22

25. www.iowafoodandfitness.org Investing in the future of Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek Counties Working Together