Leopold Center - Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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."

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.

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 is also 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.

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 general fund.

The Leopold Center also is seeking support from private donors to build a general endowment fund that could be used to cover on-going 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, including the Leopold Center. More information is available on the Funding and support page on the Leopold Center web site.

How is the Center staffed?

The Center operates with a staff of 10 people (approximately 9 FTEs, full-time equivalents). Dr. Jerry DeWitt is Director, succeeding Dr. Fred Kirschenmann, who is Distinguished Fellow with the Leopold Center.

Other staff members include two research program leaders; a technical editor who produces publications about research findings; a communications specialist who works with key audiences, edits a newsletter and manages the web site; an accounts specialist; and a program specialist, program assistant and secretary.

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 Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) or the appropriate university department. The Center has a long-standing partnership with PFI to support research and demonstration projects on member farms located throughout Iowa.

Does the Leopold Center offer undergraduate programs?

The Center does not have an undergraduate program. Rather, it cooperates with the College of Agriculture at ISU in program development. The Center also has supported development of manure management, Iowa Master Conservationist and other educational programs offered through ISU Extension.

Can I get a degree in sustainable agriculture?

Iowa State University was the first land-grant school in the United States to offer a Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA) at the master and doctorate levels. The 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 the ISU Graduate College. The Leopold Center's support consists of several part-time assistantships for graduate students who are pursuing a study area of particular priority to the Center. For additional information, go to the program's web site, www.sust.ag.iastate.edu/gpsa/.

Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, Iowa, also offers a two-year degree in Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Agriculture. Indian Hills Community College based in Centerville, Iowa, offers a two-year degree in Sustainable Agriculture/Entrepreneurship.

You can order many of our materials using our on-line 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.