Who we are
The Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association was established in 1984 to promote the interests of fruit and vegetable growers of the state through meetings, access to information, research, networking and mentoring opportunities. The Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association continues to thrive and operates with a nine-member board. IFVGA remains an affiliate of its grandparent organization, the Iowa State Horticultural Society.
Featured
2022 IFVGA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner!
The 2022 IFVGA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Recipient is Darrell and Malinda Geisler! In 2005, Darrell and Malinda opened their farm to visitors. For 17 years they served their community through family fun, education and involvement.
The Geisler’s have been key members of our association over the years. Darrell served on the IFVGA board member from 2010 to 2015. He served as IFVGA president from 2012 to 2015. Darrell and Malinda also coordinated IFVGA’s booth at the Iowa State Fair, sponsored the Big Pumpkin Contest, and hosted many IFVGA and partner meetings on their farm.
Congratulations to Darrell and Malinda Geisler in honor of their many years of dedicated service and commitment to our organization and industry!
Our third annual Iowa Specialty Producers Conference was another successful event! Weren’t able to attend? Visit www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com to purchase access to the conference recordings. We look forward to seeing you February 22-23, 2023!
News
Specialty Crop Financial Management Bootcamp to Be Held in December
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program will host a farm financial management bootcamp for specialty crop producers in December. The short, intensive program is designed to provide producers with the opportunity to optimize their business model, examine their financial infrastructure, develop a financial plan and prepare to raise money for further business development. Learn more…
Online Food Safety Training Available for Home-based Food Businesses in Iowa
As harvest season is wrapping up, small food businesses in Iowa are busy baking pumpkin pies and canning fresh blackberry jam. Part of the food supply chain, Iowans who produce and sell goods from their homes are known as home-based kitchen operators. Learn more…
High Tunnel Crops to Be Featured during Educational Short Course
The Iowa High Tunnel Short course will be held Nov. 9 at Reiman Gardens and will provide growers, educators and other industry personnel with an opportunity to discuss practical and economical aspects of high tunnel crop production, along with recent research findings. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Registration is required. Learn more…
Midwest Spinach Production Explained in Detail
A recent publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach highlights the ease of growing spinach in Iowa. In “Spinach Production Under Midwest Growing Conditions,” Ajay Nair, associate professor in horticulture and extension vegetable production specialist at Iowa State, and graduate research assistant Anne Carey provide an overview of spinach production in the Midwest. Learn more…