Note from the Director
Jerry Rosman

IOA Helps Shape Farm Bill

IOA’s policy component was jump started this past July when I was asked to participate in a farmer fly-in in Washington D.C. for the House Agriculture Committee markup on the farm bill. This was organized jointly by OFRF, the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The IOA partnered with OFRF to carry the message of Iowa’s organic community to the national legislative body.

In September I made a repeat trip out to D.C. for the Senate Agriculture Committee markup of the Farm Bill. This time, the IOA partnered with the Iowa Farmers Union delegation. I was able to again present the needs of Iowa’s organic community.

At the present time, similar programs in the “Organic Ask” have been included in both the Senate and House versions of the Farm Bill to increase funding for: organic research, transitioning assistance, certification cost-share, crop insurance, farmers market promotion, distribution of local foods, classical plant breeding, organic conversion, and ATTRA. Now the hard part is making sure these programs make it through the joint committee debates!

A Busy Year it has Been

It has been a very busy and progressive year for a fledgling organization just getting on its feet. The IOA staff and board members have been busy in numerous areas of development crucial to the forward movement of the IOA.

- The drafting and submission of all documents for State and Federal Non-Profit Application for IRS 501c3 designation was completed and approvedas of January 22, 2008.

- The IOA website is operational providing timely updates to members. Now this newsletter adds another component to the member’s service.

- Many miles and hours have been accumulated attending field days and conferences of associated organizations throughout the state.

- We have been diligently working to secure financial assistance for the ongoing startup of this organization.

A huge thank you is in order for the businesses, foundations and individuals willing to listen to an idea, see the vision and offer their resources to keep this organization moving forward.