The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded the University of Northern Iowa a $125,000 cooperative agreement on March 1, 2026, under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (CFDA 10.175) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing and promotion efforts, research and development assistance to producers, and expansion of availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The award runs through February 29, 2028, with place of performance in Iowa.