Iowa schools get matching funds to buy food from enrolled farms

The agriculture department reimburses eligible schools and districts one dollar for each dollar they spend on listed food products from eligible farms or businesses. A farm or business must be enrolled in the Choose Iowa promotional program, and the department must recognize the school or district. Covered foods include meat, poultry, dairy products other than milk, grains, flour, eggs, honey, and produce. The department may set funding limits. If available money cannot cover all claims, it must distribute the funds equitably, which may include prorated payments. The department must report its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature by July 31 each year.

The agriculture department awards financial assistance to eligible businesses for projects that support small-scale meat processing, including facility improvements, new facilities, mobile slaughter units, and certain rentals. Eligible businesses may apply for assistance to expand, refurbish, or start small-scale meat processing operations, licensed custom lockers, or compliant mobile slaughter units, or to rent certain buildings, refrigeration, freezers, or equipment. Businesses must be located in Iowa, have fewer than 200 full-time nonseasonal employees, and meet the stated regulatory, work authorization, and bankruptcy requirements. Awards depend on available money and application review, cannot exceed eligible project costs, and give priority to projects likely to create jobs or improve local farmers' processing or marketing options. The department accepts applications during one or more application periods each year.

A county cannot require a special land-use permit, exception, or variance for a qualifying agricultural experience on property whose primary use is agricultural production. The provision covers qualifying agriculture-related activities and events on farms, including certain recreational, entertainment, dining, and celebratory events. Public activities must promote or teach about agriculture. Farm tourism activities, including short-term rentals, qualify only while the farm's primary use remains agricultural production; fair events on fairgrounds also qualify. This division takes effect upon enactment; covered permits, exceptions, and variances are void and unenforceable.