Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging awarded Choose Iowa Grant

Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging, a rural Johnson County agribusiness, was awarded a $19,500 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on March 20. The lavender farm, located at 1722 255th St. NW in Oxford, plans on purchasing a distiller and custom-made lavender processor that debuds the plants, which will help streamline the harvesting process. The project is estimated at $39,000. Stephanie and Taylor Gettings, owners of Calyx Creek, began planting the 20 acres of lavender two years ago and built a 900 square foot multipurpose center north of the lavender fields, and is also in the process of constructing two 600 square foot VRBO tree houses on the land as well.

Processing the lavender by hand is very labor-intensive and takes a lot of time. The new equipment means Calyx Creek will be able to produce higher-quality products and leverage different markets, said Ms. Getting, calling the award “exciting.” “It probably would have taken us two more years” to save enough money to purchase the equipment themselves, she said. Aside from offering visitors pick-fresh options, the Gettings also make essential oil, soap, tea and a variety of other things with their lavender crop. The multipurpose space and lodging facilities are still under construction, and a soft opening is planned for this May.

“Our dream is to create an agricultural gathering space for others to escape everyday life and experience agriculture in a unique way,” said Ms. Getting. “We want to create a space for people to share special moments.” Calyx Creek is 1 of 26 Choose Iowa Value-Added grant awardees. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made products, and the grants provide financial support of up to $25,000 per project to aid Iowa farmers, businesses, and nonprofits in expanding their agricultural product variety, reaching new markets, and streamlining supply chains. To apply for the grant, Calyx Creek worked with Greater Iowa City, Inc., and the recently established Agri-Tourism Group, which spotlights Johnson County agritourism, promoting local farming through hands-on encounters. “Consumers are continually looking for more Iowa food, beverages, and ag products to enjoy and these Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants will help Iowa farmers, small businesses, and nonprofits build that supply,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, in a news release. “We are so pleased to provide these Choose Iowa cost-share investments because they will enhance the availability of Iowa products while creating positive economic activity in communities, big and small, across our state.” In all, the grant money totaled $463,000 and will help leverage a total investment by awardees of $1.9 million.

The grants for this year will assist a diverse range of projects across 22 counties, such as improving delivery and cold storage for selling meat directly to consumers, processing fruits and vegetables, acquiring packaging equipment, canning and bottling cider and wine, constructing farm stores and food hubs, boosting honey production, cultivating culinary herbs, lavender and cut flowers, expanding warehouse capacity, distributing cover crop seeds and creating agritourism opportunities, among other endeavors. Grant money can be utilized to add new processing, packaging or sales techniques that add value to crops, livestock, and other products. “For example, a farmer may invest in an on-farm store or cold storage to sell meat, eggs or produce directly to consumers, or a produce grower may upgrade their commercial kitchen to process larger quantities of seasonal produce,” the news release stated, and grant funding could also be used for employee training and continuing education. Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging will have a grand opening in June. For more information on their business, visit https://www.calyxcreek.farm/.