Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Current Competitive Grant

The extent and impact of trust ownership on the sustainability and resiliency of Iowa’s agricultural landscape

Project ID: P2012-01

This 2-year grant for $43,326 was awarded in 2012.

Location: Statewide

First, survey questions will be added to the existing ISU Farmland Ownership Survey to increase knowledge about the extent and nature of land trusts in Iowa. A second survey of the Iowa Trust Association will determine whether public policies are affecting the expansion of land ownership in trusts. The investigators also will conduct research to illuminate how trusts impact sustainable land management and the resilience of the agricultural system.

Edward Cox

Edward Cox Edward Cox joined the Drake University Agricultural Law Center in 2010. He graduated from Drake University Law School with a certificate in Food and Agricultural Law in 2009 and completed summer internships with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Dallas County Attorney’s Office, as well as serving as a law clerk on the NRCS Easement Programs Team. He received a B.S. from Missouri State University. [Contact lead investigator]

Co-Investigator(s):

Michael Duffy, ISU Beginning Farmer Center


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

Topics: Policy