Two Iowa farms impacted by the recent funding freeze for farm-to-school and food assistance programs penned an open letter to United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, urging their reinstatement.
Delaware County-based Anna and Shae Pesek of Over the Moon Farm and Emma and Marcus Johnson of Buffalo Ridge Orchard in Central City expressed disappointment in the United States Department of Agriculture’s decision to terminate funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program and Local Food for Schools Program, asserting that they provided vital supply chain development opportunities for small and midsized farmers.
“Without these programs, our supply chains will be less resilient, our communities will have less economic activity, and our institutions will have less opportunity – if any – to procure local foods,” the letter states, in part. “We believe the only appropriate course of action is for the USDA to reverse their decision and immediately reinstate the LFPA and LFS programs.”
The letter, shared with the CBJ by Iowa Valley RC&D, outlines the many benefits these programs had on the farmers’ operations, including an annual sales increase of $20,000 for the Peseks, which allowed them to expand production and raise more livestock. This meant increased business to local butchers and feed mills as well.
“The increased market access made possible by the LFPA and LFS programs has supported the viability of our business, making it possible for two families to make a living on the farm,” the letter states.
Buffalo Ridge Orchard, a diversified 80-acre fruit and vegetable and row crop farm, says it sold over $24,000 of produce in 2024 through the LFPA and LFS programs. Food partners encouraged the orchard to produce more for 2025, and it has done just that, employing full-time staff throughout the winter to scale up its processing capacity.
“This funding supports Buffalo Ridge Orchard, allowing them to provide stable, well-paid jobs to rural Iowa while feeding our local community,” the letter states.
The LFPA and LFS programs strengthen local agriculture, benefiting not only farmers but also sustaining rural communities by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and keeping money within the region, the letter continues.
“The decision to end the LFPA and LFS program is shortsighted and ignores the success and widespread bipartisan support,” the letter reads. “Marketing programs with price support structures have been a cornerstone of support for commodity farmers since the 1930s, helping them weather economic challenges. The extension of these programs to farmers growing a wider range of products only strengthens vital supply chains and agriculture in Iowa.”
You can read the letter in full below.
