Three Winneshiek County agriculture producers receive mini-grants

The Northeast Iowa Food & Farm Coalition has awarded three Winneshiek County agricultural producers grants to assist in increasing local food production.

Recipients of the grants were selected by a judging team led by Winneshiek County Development, Inc. All three recipients in Winneshiek County were awarded $500 grants, the maximum allotted.

Mike Bollinger and Katie Prochaska of River Root Farm, 2789 River Road in Decorah, will receive $500 to help pay for a 30-foot by 36-foot long shed which will help increase their processing capacity.

Meghan Spees of Sweet Earth Farm, 201 Valley View Drive in Decorah, will receive $500 to help pay for a hoop house which will extend the farm's growing season and enable healthier transplants with a lower cost and fewer inputs.

Loren Wilkins of 2322 Glenville Road in Decorah will receive $500 to help build a 30-foot by 72-foot hoop house. The hoop house will help increase production of a variety of produce including raspberries, apples, beets, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and cabbage.

These grants are part of the Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative, a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Food & Community project. Additional information about the NIFF Coalition and Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative can be found at www.iowafoodandfitness.org.