Center hosts its first ag policy forum

The first event showcasing on the Leopold Center's new policy initiative gave the 30 invitees a chance to hear five different but enlightening perspectives on agriculture and public policy. "The Future of Agriculture: A Policy Discussion" was held April 8 in Ames and was organized by Center associate director Michael Duffy.

The purpose of the session was to explore the options, alternatives and possible consequences of potential policies for Iowa and U.S. agriculture. Authorities from around the country offered their views and a Canadian expert presented a perspective from outside the United States.

The day's speakers were:

• Catherine Woteki, dean of the College of Agriculture, Iowa State University;
• Cooper Evans, former member of U. S. House of Representatives (Rep., Ia);
• Daryll Ray, professor, Blasingame Chair of Excellence and Director of Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, University of Tennessee;
• Moura Quayle, dean of the College of Agriculture, University of British Columbia, Canada; and
• Karl Stauber, President, Northwest Area Foundation.

A summary of the presentations is available on the Leopold Center web site, www.leopold.iastate.edu.