POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

County established a policy to provide an annual $50,000 real property tax rebate for farmers who convert from conventional farming methods using pesticides to organic farming methods for up to five years. Farmer must follow the USDA’s “National Organic Program" and become certified organic by the end of year three.

Background Information

State Iowa
Jurisdiction Name Woodbury
Jurisdiction Type County,
Population Size 50,000-200,000
Legal Strategies
  • Creates an incentive for a change
  • Requires something, sets standards
Reach Limited scope
It creates eligibility for a tax rebate and has a voluntary component.
Food System Category Grow; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

N/A

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Yes

Preamble refers to a purpose of promoting public health and safety of citizens and communities in the county.

Environmental linkage?
Yes

Policy provides an incentive for farmers to convert to organic farming methods.

Economic linkage?
Yes

Preamble states that the policy is intended "to increase per capita income, provide incentives for job creation, [and] attract economic investment."

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Yes

Preamble states: "It is the policy of Woodbury County to promote the economic vitality, and public health and safety of its rural communities. The 'Organics Conversion Policy' is intended to increase per capita income, provide incentives for job creation, attract economic investment, and promote the health and safety of its citizens and communities." (Page 1).

Includes definitions?
No

Addresses implementation?
Yes

Provides steps to implement application process and development of Organics Board, as well as appeals process. (§ 2.0)

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

Participants will be liable for benefits received, plus legal rates of interest from the date of conversion if the violate USDA requirements (sec. 1.6).

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

Uncodified resolution: Woodbury County Policy for Rural Economic Revitalization "Organics Conversion Policy."

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