Denise O’Brien and her husband, Larry Harris, maintain 17 acres of the original Harris farm, five of which are in certified organic fruit and vegetable production. Denise utilizes a greenhouse and high tunnel production to extend beyond Iowa’s normal growing season. Chickens and turkeys are also raised for meat and egg production.
Denise has mentored many women in the next generation of farmers. She cares deeply about the future of rural Iowa and has spent her life ensuring a bright road ahead for agriculture in Iowa.
“I will be an advocate for hardworking Iowa families like my own at the Iowa Legislature. My priorities include finding a solution to health care, prioritizing education, creating good jobs with benefits, and protecting our farms and environment. We need folks in the legislature who are deeply invested in their communities rather than in the pockets of donors. Let’s create a state of Iowa that we are proud of as we move into the future.”
Denise has been involved in her community as well as in the agricultural sector. She is a co-founder of Women, Food and Agricultural Network, an Iowa based national network. She currently serves as president of the board of Pesticide Action Network and co-chairs the board of Sustainable Iowa Land Trust. She is an assistant soil and water commissioner for Cass County. From 2001 to 2003, Denise was a Food and Society Policy Fellow, a program primarily funded by W.K. Kellogg Foundation. In 2012, she completed a year assignment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an agriculture adviser in Afghanistan.
Vote for Denise! To support her campaign, please donate and get involved.
Why so few candidates in Iowa? There were some great candidates we endorsed in the Iowa primaries who unfortunately lost their races. And, we’re sure we missed some. If we did, please send us an email at info[at]citizensregenerationlobby.org.