While we’re in the thick of corn and soybean harvest, a new survey released by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship highlights the growing contributions of horticultural food crops to the state’s economy. 

The survey, which provides the first comprehensive look at Iowa’s horticultural food crops industry since 2015, found that direct edible specialty crop sales supported $66.5 million in statewide economic output and $42.5 million in value-added activity in 2023. 

And the total count is likely higher than that, since not all survey respondents shared sales values, the survey authors noted. 

Supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic generated new interest in locally produced food among consumers. According to the USDA’s agricultural census, total sales of edible specialty crops in Iowa increased 73% from 2012 to 2022. And while the number of specialty crop farms fell below 1,000 farms between 1989 and 2000, it rebounded to 1,680 farms in 2023. Nearly one-third of Iowa's specialty crop growers are beginning farmers, and most have off-farm jobs to supplement their income.

The top specialty crops in Iowa are honey (1,229 producers), peppers (542 producers), apples (498), tomatoes (445) and lettuce (419). 

Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig said the findings will help inform the state’s efforts to strengthen direct-to-consumer sales. 

“Iowa’s horticulture food crops sector is an important part of our agricultural economy and a defining feature of the diversity and vibrancy of Iowa agriculture,” he said. “With the continued expansion of the Choose Iowa program, I believe this sector is well-positioned for even greater growth in the years ahead.”