The Iowa Grain Quality Initiative (IGQI) is a cutting edge grain quality research and information program. The interdisciplinary project performs the “rapid response function” at ISU for the grain industry. Through diverse expertise of affiliated faculty and the use of information technology, the project has addressed grain production and processing topics quickly, giving producers and agribusinesses the information needed to make business decisions. Challenges related to genetically modified grains have accelerated the use of alternative delivery systems.

Rapid response issues IGQI addressed over the past years included:

Genetically modified grains (StarLink™ corn, Roundup Ready® corn, and international markets)
Frost damage, discoloration, and diseases in corn and soybeans
A major farmers cooperative bankruptcy
Program and information resources have been promoted and distributed through:

Providing Extension field staff with presentation materials for local meetings
Outreach meetings
Print and electronic media articles
Posting reference materials for the media.