A local resident is among seven Iowans appointed to a new Iowa Organic Advisory Council.
The formation of the council within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship was announced on Thursday by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. One of the members is Roger Lansink of Odebolt.
Department staff from the Agriculture Diversification and Market Development Bureau will provide updates to the advisory council on the Department of Agriculture’s Organic Program. Council members will also provide the Department with feedback and industry perspectives on the program and other market and production trends.
Members of the council include two who represent livestock or dairy production, two certified organic crop producers, an individual involved in retail, someone who represents a certified organic processing or handling operation, and someone involved in education. Members will serve a two-year term, and can be eligible for re-appointment. The advisory council will meet once per year with additional meetings as needed.
A similar Organic Advisory Council existed previously in Iowa Code, but was eliminated during the 2024 legislative session following recommendations made by the Boards and Commissions Review Committee. Secretary Naig chose to establish the council to obtain stakeholder feedback and input.
