Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who was Aldo Leopold?

Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) was a Burlington, Iowa native who saw the great need for wise use of land and water resources. The internationally known conservationist, ecologist and educator devoted his life to planting seeds of thought about how farming should be productive but not interfere with natural systems. Read more

What is the Leopold Center?

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture was created by the Iowa General Assembly as part of the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act. Its purpose is to identify negative impacts of agriculture, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and inform the public of new research findings. The Center accomplishes its mission through competitive grants, interdisciplinary research issue teams, and education programs. Results of the Center's programs are disseminated through numerous Center publications and through presentations at conferences and other training opportunities, developed in cooperation with ISU Extension and other organizations.

Other centers created by the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act include the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC) at the University of Iowa and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa to help small businesses properly dispose of hazardous materials.

Excerpts from the Iowa Groundwater Protect Act and creation of its research grant program [PDF]

Read more about the landmark legislation [PDF] (from Proceedings of the Leopold Center's 10th Anniversary Conference in 1997)

See an interactive timeline of Leopold Center history

Read about the Leopold Center's unique history, the topic of an academic research project

What is sustainable agriculture?

The Groundwater Protection Act defines sustainable agriculture as "the appropriate use of crop and livestock systems and agricultural inputs supporting those activities that maintain economic and social viability while preserving the high productivity and quality of Iowa's land."  Read more

How is the Center's Advisory Board selected?

The Leopold Center Advisory Board, as established by state law, is a public body and thus subject to state law regarding gender balance and open meetings. Representatives are chosen by the groups represented on the Board: Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Board also includes representatives from four Iowa farm groups: Practical Farmers of Iowa, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Farmers Union, and the District Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The groups represented are prescribed by law and the appointments are at the sole discretion of the appointing group. The Board advises the director on programs and policies relating to the Center. Meet the current board

Where do your funds come from?

One source of Leopold Center funds is a direct appropriation from the legislature of about $450,000 per year. The Center also receives about $1.1 million per year generated from fees charged on sales of nitrogen fertilizer and on registration and use of pesticides. The Leopold Center also is eligible to receive grants from other state and federal sources and from foundations, but not from agricultural industries. All projects funded by the Center must benefit Iowa farmers. Read more

How can I contribute to the Leopold Center?

In 2002, the Leopold Center began its first-ever fundraising effort by establishing the "Friends of the Leopold Center" program. This group consists of people who contribute $1,000 or more to the Center's endowment fund.

The Leopold Center also is seeking support from private donors to build a general endowment fund that could be used to cover ongoing costs associated with its many programs during periods of budget stress. Private gifts also can be designated to help offset travel expenses, and student and faculty/staff support.

The ISU Foundation accepts and manages all gifts made to support programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including the Leopold Center. Read more

How is the Center staffed?

The Center operates with a staff of 10 people (approximately 9 FTEs, full-time equivalents). The Center has a director and distinguished fellow; other staff members include program coordinators, an outreach coordinator, a communication specialist, an assistant scientist, an accounts specialist, and a secretary. Meet the current staff

Does the Center employ researchers?

The Center does not employ researchers directly. Rather, it sponsors competitive grants and interdisciplinary research groups to conduct research. Similarly, the Center works with other educators, including those with Extension responsibilities, throughout the state to inform the public of its findings.

The Leopold Center does not own or operate any experimental farms. Research and demonstrations are conducted on university and private farms. The Center believes that its mission is carried out most effectively by diverse programs throughout the state.

Where is sustainable farming being practiced in Iowa?

Often visitors want to see sustainable farms in the Ames area. Visitors who wish to tour farm sites are usually referred to the Center's long-time partner organization, Practical Farmers of Iowa, or the appropriate university department. Practical Famers of Iowa and the ISU Research and Demonstration Farms conduct field days, usually during the summer months, which provide excellent opportunities to see sustainability in practice. Check our calendar to see current field day details.

For information about places to visit on or near the ISU campus that are related to sustainable agriculture, you also may want to check out this Central Iowa Sustainable Agriculture Tour Guide developed by the Leopold Center.

Does the Leopold Center offer a degree in sustainable agriculture?

The Center does not have a program for degrees in sustainable agriculture. Degrees at the masters and doctorate levels are available from Iowa State University. ISU was the first land-grant school in the United States to offer its Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA) in 2002. This interdepartmental program involves more than 50 faculty from 17 academic departments or units at ISU, and is supported by the Henry A. Wallace Endowed Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, the Leopold Center, the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the ISU Graduate College.

For additional information, go to the program's web site, www.sust.ag.iastate.edu/gpsa/.

The Center also has supported development of manure management, integrated pest management, Iowa Master Conservationist and other educational programs offered through ISU Extension, as well as programs related to sustainable agriculture at Iowa's community colleges.

How can I get newsletters and other materials from the Leopold Center?

You can order many of our materials using our online order form. You also can ask to be on the Leopold Center's mailing list for newsletters and other regular mailings by completing our mailing list profile.

How can I get a grant from the Leopold Center?

The Leopold Center has operated a competitive grants program since 1988 for research, education and demonstration projects that now cover four initiatives: Marketing and Food Systems, Ecology, Policy and Cross-Cutting (water, energy , soil and alternative farming systems). Details about this program, who may submit requests and the funding cycle are outlined on this page.