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Welcome!


Value Chain Partnerships (VCP) is an Iowa-based network for food and agriculture working groups that brings together producers, businesses, and state and federal organizations. VCP's community of working groups drives its collaborative process.

In the past, the working groups have convened under the umbrella of the VCP program coordinated by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The working groups have begun the transition to be able to self-convene under new leadership. Current news may not be posted on this website, but check out the many useful resources available on each group's page.

Read more about the VCP transition process here.

Questions about the transition process can be directed to Craig Chase, interim coordinator of the Marketing and Food Systems Initiative at the Leopold Center, (319) 238-2997, cchase@iastate.edu.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the "What's New" page for news and events!

 

Who we are

Pork Niche Market Working Group
Niche pork companies/supporting groups helping smaller-scale players in the pork sector

Regional Food Systems Working Group
Practitioners/community leaders who want to increase investment in and support for local and regional food businesses in Iowa

Farm Energy Working Group
Supports research, education and the implementation of a variety of energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy practices form on-farm resources to meet the needs of Iowa's small and mid-sized farms

Fruit and Vegetable Working Group
Growers/buyers/assistance providers building the production, handling and marketing capacity of this industry in Iowa

Grass-Based Livestock Working Group
(also houses former SMPWG information)

Grass-based farm/food businesses and supporting outreach professionals promoting production, market opportunities and the environmental services they provide for Iowa

Food Access & Health Working Group
A statewide network of food and nutrition assistance program providers and health professionals focused on advancing regionally-based food systems that ameliorates hunger and improves the health of Iowans by increasing access to fresh and nutritious food