Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Beginning and mid-size Farm Bill analysis: Policy option development and education initiative

Project ID: P2006-09

Abstract

The needs of beginning mid-size farmers were considered in light of current farm programs and beginning farmer initiatives. Policy options were developed for a new approach to assisting these under-served groups.

Key Question: With the barriers to entering farming being significant and opportunities in commodity production shrinking, what are the policy options that can effectively address the needs of beginning farmers and sustainable mid-size farmers and ranchers seeking opportunities through high-value, niche markets (those just beginning as well as those who are beginning again by moving away from conventional systems to a sustainable niche market system)?

Findings: This research found a variety of policy options that can assist these farmers seeking to step into farming and establish high-value, niche markets.

Lead investigator: Michael Duffy, ISU Economics, et al

Year of grant completion: 2010

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Policy Initiative.

Topics: Human systems, demographics and beginning farmer programs, Policy