Sow the Seeds promotes sustainable food systems in the Upper Midwest and was initiated by IATP and the Wedge Community Co-op to educate and engage members of the public in supporting local, sustainable food production.

In 2007, Sow the Seeds launched a special project to assist farmers devastated by "once in 500-year" floods in southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. Hundreds of individuals, retailers, nonprofit organizations, foundations and businesses stepped forward, contributing over $390,000 to the relief effort. In consultation with a team of local agricultural and community leaders, these funds were distributed to more than 30 farms that applied for assistance.

Sow the Seeds is now working to support "season extension" strategies that enable fruits and vegetables to be grown in our Northern climate for a longer portion of the year. Season extension can help expand our area's supply of fresh, locally grown produce while offering new production opportunities to interested farmers. IATP works in partnership with a variety of organizations to support farmer education and outreach on season extension in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Click here to learn more about the farmer education activities being funded by Sow the Seeds.

Listen to a podcast interview by the Minneapolis Star Tribune with IATP's JoAnne Berkenkamp on the value of hoop houses in extending the growing season for fruits and vegetables.

Sow the Seeds Announces Grants to Support Local Food Systems in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa
March 3, 2009 | Press Release | PDF

Hoophouse Construction Workshop post-event report May 2009 | PFI IATP | PDF
Practical Farmers of Iowa, with support from Sow the Seeds, held a hoophouse construction demo in April 2009. This report recaps the construction process.