Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Leopold Center seeks projects for 2011

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June 28, 2010

AMES, Iowa -- The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University wants to work with Iowans who have innovative ideas for sustainable agriculture alternatives. The 2010 Request for Pre-proposals (RFP) outlines the process for submitting potential projects in the Center’s three initiative areas -- ecology, marketing and food systems, and policy.

Leopold Center interim director Lois Wright Morton says, “We anticipate some great ideas coming from Iowans who want to help the Center maintain and improve our natural resources. Each of the Center’s research areas is aimed at enhancing the condition and viability of Iowa’s natural resources in varying, yet integrated ways. We welcome proposals from all of our stakeholders.”

Who may submit a pre-proposal to the Leopold Center? Investigators representing any Iowa nonprofit organization/agency and/or educational institution (such as soil and water conservation districts, schools, colleges, universities and regional development groups). The Center strongly encourages the involvement and collaboration of farmers, landowners, and farm-based businesses in the pre-proposal process.

What is required? A two- to three-page concept paper on the project and how it fits with the Leopold Center mission, focus areas, and specific initiative objectives.

Where is the RFP available? The RFP can be downloaded from the Center’s web site. Hard copies can be obtained from the Center office by calling 515/294-3711 or emailing leocenter@iastate.edu.

Who do I contact with questions? For inquiries about a specific initiative’s pre-proposal process, contact the appropriate program leader: Lois Wright Morton for Ecology or Policy (515 294-3711, lwmorton@iastate.edu) and Rich Pirog for Marketing and Food Systems or for any general questions about the pre-proposal process (515 294-1854, rspirog@iastate.edu).

When is it due? Project ideas should be submitted to the Center electronically by August 16, 2010. The pre-proposals will be reviewed by the Center’s advisory board and staff.

For more info contact:

 Rich Pirog, Associate director and Marketing and Food Systems Initiative leader, (515) 294-1854 rspirog@iastate.edu

Lois Wright Morton, Interim director and Policy and Ecology Initiative interim leader, (515) 294-3711, lwmorton@iastate.edu

Laura Miller, Leopold Center Communications, (515) 294-5272, lwmiller@iastate.edu

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