Horticulture
Through our horticulture program, Practical Farmers supports horticulture crop producers with farmer-led research, educational events, financial assistance and technical assistance to strengthen both production and business viability.
Programs
Savings Incentive Program
The Savings Incentive Program is a two-year program that supports...
Produce Safety Cost-Share
Practical Farmers of Iowa offers a cost-share program for specialty...
Labor4Learning
Labor4Learning is for new and aspiring farmers who want to...
Farm-to-School Mentorship Program
Interested in selling to K–12 schools? This program connects newer...
Empower Farmers Program
The Empower Farmers Program offers up-front payments to support the...
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Horticulture
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A crate of tomatoes harvested at Max Chavez' farm.
PFI's Local Foods Directory
Find PFI member farmers, businesses and organizations who offer local foods near you! Current PFI members can be listed for free in our Local Foods Directory.
Upcoming Horticulture Events
Network with and learn from other horticulture farmers at our events.
Latest Horticulture Posts
Find tips from other horticulture farmers, explore research and learn about weeding practices, implementing cover crops, growing your business and more.
Horticulture Resources
CSA Retention Study
Low retention rates for a farm's CSA is concerning for the farmer, but attrition happens for a variety of reasons. Three PFI member CSA farms asked Practical Farmers to conduct a third-party survey of non-renewing members to investigate why they haven't returned.
Farmers Market Goal Workbook
This workbook corresponds to the article “Set goals to improve your farmers market sales” in the Spring 2012 edition of the Practical Farmer.
Yield Data Collection
In 2013, Practical Farmers of Iowa started a yield data collection project to: 1. Create Iowa-specific production histories; 2. Provide data to lenders for risk analysis; 3. Provide data to public and private insurance agencies to improve fruit and vegetable insurance options.
- 2015 Summary report
- 2013 summary report
- 2013 data appendix
Pesticide Drift
Practical Farmers' members identify pesticide drift as a critical issue facing horticulture farmers. PFI's work on pesticide drift intends to expand the visibility of and conversation surrounding pesticide drift in Iowa while serving as an information hub for farmers.
- Protect Your Right to Farm: Pesticide Drift Response Guide for Iowa's Farmers and Rural Residents
- Pesticide Drift and the Law: Regulations, Case Files and Articles
- Template Letters for notifying applicators and neighbors about sensitive crops and pesticide drift concerns
- Template email for reporting pesticide misuse incidents to the Pesticide Bureau.
- (This should be used in addition to a phone call to the Pesticide Bureau)
- List of Private Labs for Pesticide Residue Testing
- (In 2016 the state approved a process to expedite analysis of pesticide residue samples on food crops at the State Lab. If applicable, discuss this option with the Pesticide Bureau when you report a drift incident.)
- Summary of Pesticide Drift Complaints 2008-2012
- The University of Iowa has created story map of pesticide misuse cases from 2010 – 2016, complete with ArcGIS files for download.
- Pesticide Bureau at IDALS
- Pesticide Bureau Pamphlet: Pesticide Investigation and Enforcement Field Watch
- I-CASH: Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
- Pesticide Safety Education Program at Iowa State University
- Pesticide Drift in the Midwest: Story Mapping Project
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Join our expanding network and take part in an open exchange of practical information to improve our farms and communities.