"The tremendous transitions occurring in agriculture - from farm policy and biofuels to local and organic food systems - raise concerns as well as opportunities. IATP is working to promote sound policies, investments and markets that result in a more conservation-based agriculture, a healthier public, and thriving family farms and rural communities."

—Mark Muller
Senior Fellow, IATP Environment and Agriculture

We work to enhance rural agricultural communities by promoting conservation-based economic opportunities. We support working landscapes that maximize income-generating productivity, environmental benefits and stronger connections between urban and rural, people and land, and food and community.

Farm Policy, Conservation and Public Health
We are bringing together farmers, conservation groups and public health advocates to build a healthier food system.

Regional Food Systems
We work to develop new markets for regional farmers while educating consumers about regional, sustainable food's health and taste advantages.

Agriculture in the Great Lakes Basin
We report on the relationship of agriculture, the environment and trade to Great Lakes surface and ground water management.

Hypoxia and Nutrient Management
We are addressing hypoxia and increased nitrogen in the Mississippi River through policies and practices that support more sustainable agriculture and local economies.

Mississippi River Navigation
We work toward a navigation system on the Mississippi River that ensures fair prices for farmers, strong rural communities and maintains the environmental integrity of the River.

Food Versus Fuel in the United States: Can Both Win in the Era of Ethanol: This report explores the effect of U.S. ethanol production on the world's hungry. October 2007 | MARK MULLER, TAMMY YELDON AND HEATHER SCHOONOVER | PDF

A Fair Farm Bill for Conservation: This paper analyzes the history of conservation programs in the Farm Bill and makes recommendations for improving them.SEPTEMBER  2007 | IATP | PDF

Water Use by Ethanol Plants: Potential Challenges: The shortage of available water could become the Achilles heel of the ethanol boom if more efficient use of water isn't made a priority.OCTOBER 2006 | DR. DENNIS KEENEY AND MARK MULLER/IATP | PDF

Food Without Thought: How U.S. Farm Policy Contributes to Obesity : U.S. farm policy geared towards driving down prices for corn and soybeans is a significant contributor to the nation's obesity epidemic.APRIL 2006 | MARK MULLER AND HEATHER SCHOONOVER | PDF

"If incentives for growing corn are reduced, cellulosic ethanol support is enhanced and support for more sustainable forms of agriculture is provided, we could assure a healthy landscape and rural economy - and a healthy Gulf of Mexico."

St. Paul Pioneer Press | August 14 2007 | Dennis Keeney, IATP Senior Fellow

Jul. 20: Fear of a food shortage

Jul. 2: Grain Reserve Establishment Faces Obstacles, Controversy

Jun. 26: Sugar deal unlikely to affect prices

Jun. 17: Submerged Midwest farms mean higher food prices

Jun. 17: Obama May Get Rural Votes on Farm-Subsidy Support

Agobservatory is IATP's web site for the latest news, reports and analysis on the environment and agriculture

Have a question or comment about Environment and Agriculture's work? Drop us a line!