Leopold Center seeks input on initiatives

New ways of thinking about agriculture must involve public policy and economic practices, a better understanding of local ecosystems, new markets for Iowa farmers, and partnerships with consumers.

These ideas are the focus of a proposed trio of initiatives that members of the Leopold Center staff take "on the road" this spring in a series of "community conversations" and other meetings throughout Iowa. What they hope to gain are ideas and comments about direction for Leopold Center activities over the next several years.

"We believe that agriculture in Iowa can support families on farms, contribute to a healthy environment and maintain vibrant rural communities," says Leopold Center director Fred Kirschenmann. "But agriculture, land and food do not operate in a vacuum. That's why we want to get a ‘reality check' from as many audiences as possible about our proposed plan. Is this the direction we should be going?"

Kirschenmann and staff are presenting the plan at facilitated discussions March 5 in Mt. Pleasant and March 19 in Decorah. Other discussions were scheduled Feb. 13 in Sioux Center and February 27 in Hiawatha near Cedar Rapids. The plan will be a session topic at the annual meetings of the Wallace Center near Lewis on March 12 and the Neely-Kinyon Farm near Greenfield on March 20. Kirschenmann also will share his thoughts on the plan when he speaks to a number of other organizations this spring.

People interested in participating in the "community conversations" are asked to contact the Leopold Center to make sure meeting space is adequate at each location.

A page on the Center's web site includes the proposed plan of activities, Building a new agriculture for Iowa, and other information about the year-long visioning process. To receive a printed copy of the plan, contact the Center.

Last April, the Leopold Center Advisory Board began discussing future directions for Center programs. In July, Kirschenmann convened a one-day forum to talk about "big picture" issues in agriculture. Staff will work this summer to compile comments, revise the proposal and possibly plan a regional meeting that would reach a broader audience. The Center has obtained a grant from the Cavaliere Foundation to pay for visioning activities.

How should the Leopold Center focus its activities in the future? We'd like to hear from you! Offer comments via the Center's web site, or by calling the Center at (515)294-3711.