Iowa Urban farmers can apply for cost-share to boost beneficial insects
Through this program, PFI funds native plants and the associated costs of establishing native insectary strips or beetle banks. Xerces Society provides technical support and helps develop a habitat plan.
By Staff Editor
Iowa Agribusiness
Mar 13, 2025
Excerpt:
Urban farmers can now get cost-share and technical support to boost beneficial insect habitat on their farms through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s and Xerces Society’s beneficial insects cost-share. Sign-ups are now open and available until funding runs out.
“Urban specialty crop farmers face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to adding conservation practices,” says Grace Yi, PFI’s habitat viability manager. “This program supports urban farmers by helping them create habitats for beneficial insects, which can increase natural predation and pollination on their farms.”
Through this program, PFI funds native plants and the associated costs of establishing native insectary strips or beetle banks. Xerces Society provides technical support and helps develop a habitat plan.
Beneficial insects, such as ground beetles, lacewings, parasitoid wasps and more, are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems on farms, which in turn helps farmers provide valuable produce and products to their communities. Diverse on-farm habitat also provides resiliency, beautification and supports other wildlife species.
“My best piece of advice is to find a program like this one that can help you get those beneficial plants and insects onto your farm,” says Tricia Engelbrecht, a program participant. “Providing habitat is essential to healthy farms.”
Source: https://cityfarmer.info/iowa-urban-farmers-can-apply-for-cost-share-to-boost-beneficial-insects/
