Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know

Food & Ingredients

Feeding The World

Ag Graphic StatisticsFeeding the World

Iowa’s nutrient-rich land, low-cost of doing business, excellent transportation infrastructure and quality workforce attracts nearly every major food brand to set-up significant operations in the state. In fact, 29 of the largest 100 food manufacturers have Iowa operations, including global companies like Barilla, Hormel, Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Quaker Oats, Tyson and Wells Enterprises—the maker of Blue Bunny ice cream.

Global Food Security Research and Collaboration

Iowa is at the center of research addressing food security through significant research advancements at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa; through Iowa-based research and development operations of global leaders in seed production within Corteva Agriscience, Monsanto and other companies; through the state’s significant presence at USDA facilities; and through the leadership of the World Food Prize in food security issues.

Each of these global leaders in its own field are based in Iowa, working together to both feed and fuel a world doubling its population amid diminishing resources.

#1

producer of eggs, corn and pork

USDA, 2021
129%

higher concentration of food scientists than national average

BLS, 2020
#2

lowest cost of doing business in the country

Business Facilities, 2017

Iowa: The Ice Cream Capital of the World

It's no secret that Iowa dominates in the global agricultural department. The state's fertile land, low cost of doing business, excellent transportation, excellent transportation infrastructure and quality workforce attract major food brands to set up significant operations. 
Learn how Wells Enterprises helped fuel Iowa’s food and ingredient manufacturing industry and how they became the “ice cream capital of the world.”

IOWA'S FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND PRODUCERS

Iowa's Role in Food Security

2020 World Food Prize Laureate Announcement

Iowa is home to the World Food Prize, the foremost international award recognizing the achievements of those who advance human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The World Food Prize was conceived by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is among the 15-member Council of Advisors. World Food Prize Laureates have been recognized from around the world.

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