Value Added Agriculture

IOWA: Essential Ingredients for Business

Iowa is well-known for the abundant food commodities it produces and its world-leading position in the development of cutting edge of food technology. The state is home to 32 of the 100 largest food manufacturers and processors, creating a critical mass of food companies and industry knowledge.

Many food industry innovations started in Iowa – advances in everything from ingredients and finished foods to processing and packaging machinery. New food varieties, processes and technologies are constantly being developed in Iowa – a place where food processors, ingredient innovators and research institutions come together to collaborate.

Iowa produces one-tenth of the nation’s food supply and leads the nation in the production of corn, soybeans, pork and eggs. More than 880 Iowa food processors generate more than $649 billion worth of food products annually.

Besides its innovative environment, Iowa offers food companies a central location and an efficient transportation infrastructure for shipping goods. Iowa recently was recognized by CNBC as having the lowest cost of doing business of any state.

Financial Assistance

Value-Added Agriculture Component — Seeks to increase the innovative utilization of Iowa's agricultural commodities

Grow Iowa Values Financial Assistance Program — Serves as the funding source for projects that are focused on job creation or retention, value-added agriculture and entrepreneurial efforts. This program, combined with Iowa’s nationally recognized business climate, tax incentives and proactive state government make Iowa a great place to do business.

High Quality Jobs Program — This program is designed to promote the creation or retention of quality jobs by assisting businesses locating, expanding or modernizing their facilities in Iowa through a package of tax credits, exemptions, and/or refunds to approved businesses.