Interest and demand for local food in Iowa and across the nation have increased dramatically in the past few years.

Iowa small market producers are finding markets for their food products at farmers markets, community supported agriculture enterprises, farm stands, and institutions such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, and conference centers. As farmers have entered these markets across the state, questions about food regulations have increased. This document answers the most common questions most often asked by producers. Responses were crafted by state agency and university specialists with expertise in food safety and food regulations.