By DOUG SCHMITZ
Iowa Correspondent

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University (ISU)’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, which has become an international pioneer in organic crop and livestock research and innovation, has marked its 20th anniversary.

“The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture explores and cultivates alternatives that secure healthier people and landscapes in Iowa and the nation,” said Jack Payne, vice president of extension and outreach for the Cooperative Extension Service and Leopold Center advisory board member.

He gave the welcome at the July 10 conference at ISU’s Scheman Building to kick off the 20-year milestone.

Established in 1987 when the Iowa Legislature passed the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act to study agricultural impacts on groundwater quality, the Leopold Center was mandated to “research and assist in developing emerging alternative practices that are consistent with a sustainable agriculture.”

“We’ve certainly made a lot of progress in 20 years, (but) there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Jerry DeWitt, Leopold Center’s director.

“Where should we be going? What new directions?” he said. “So, with the 300 people here today in Ames, we’re having workshops, presentations, interactive work and demonstrations that speak to the questions of how we put more people on the land.”

The center’s primary funding stream is the Agriculture Management Account (AMA), one of four accounts that comprise the Groundwater Protection Fund created by the act.

The legislation set a fee on sales of nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides to support about 20 environmental programs.
The center receives 35 percent of the AMA funds, or about $1.1 million annually for research, education and administration of programs.

Center’s work isn’t done

DeWitt said the Leopold Center chose to celebrate to remind Iowans that its work isn’t done.

“What we began in 1987 – to focus on improving Iowa’s water quality – remains a critical item on the state’s agenda,” he said. “This is a task that needs everyone – farmers, researchers, educators, consumers and many partners – to share in the work.
“One does not need to look far to find a problem or situation that challenges the long-term sustainability of Iowa’s precious natural resources, its soil and water. As these challenges arise, ultimately our landscapes, communities and people will experience the impacts.”

The event’s keynote speaker was Mark Ritchie, newly elected Minnesota Secretary of State and founder of the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. A 1972 ISU graduate, Ritchie grew up in Nevada, Iowa, and is an active proponent of long-term sustainability for agriculture and rural communities.
The two-day conference included workshops with such topics as planning energy-efficient operations, assisting young farmers and establishing a local foods show.

“We’re talking about food and health systems, we’re talking about the bioeconomy and energy, where we’re headed,” DeWitt said. “And we’re talking about production agriculture and how can we sustain that down the road.

“So today’s activities are about getting input, listening and figuring out what (to) do in the next 20 years. But more importantly, what we do in the next three to five years to make profitable agriculture that sustains the land and that’s good for the community.”

The center’s mission of sustainable agriculture was put to the test when the Iowa Legislature transferred $1 million out of its operating budget in 2002, after which the center embarked on its first-ever fundraising effort. Working with the ISU College of Agriculture’s office of the ISU Foundation, it conducted a direct-mail solicitation of gifts from supporters and established the “Friends of the Leopold Center” program, which consisted of individuals who contributed $1,000 or more to its general fund.

Since then, more than 170 individuals and organizations have contributed to the center, some writing letters of support or notes encouraging the center to continue its efforts on behalf of Iowa farmers.

This farm news was published in the Aug. 29, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.