IA SF494

Creates the "Freedom to Garden Act" establishing that individuals have a natural, inherent, and unalienable right to save and exchange seeds, grow and harvest food of their choosing, and market wholesome garden food from their residential property

Prohibits state agencies and local governments from adopting or enforcing regulations that prevent individuals from establishing, maintaining, or benefiting from residential gardens on property they own or lease

Defines "residential garden" as any plot of ground or elevated soil bed on property with no more than two dwelling units where vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, pollinator plants, and other edible plants are produced primarily for the owner/lessee's household

Exemptions include plants that obstruct traffic, invade neighbors' property, are used to produce controlled substances, pose public health threats, or constitute nuisances, as well as regulations for noxious weeds, seeds, and pesticides under existing Iowa law

Prohibits bans on marketing garden food but exempts sales at farmers markets, processed foods, unwholesome food, and food marketed to children or legally incompetent persons