The United States has had a large agricultural trade balance every year since 1959. Our agricultural exports have considerably more value than our agricultural imports. Yet, as agricultural imports have grown to $46 billion in 2003, the U.S. is quickly becoming a net agricultural importer. There is no reason why regional farmers cannot provide many of the high-value fruits and vegetables currently imported by large food companies.

Environment and Agriculture works on developing new markets for regional farmers while educating consumers about regional, sustainable food's health and taste advantages. We provide coordination support to an Upper Midwest Farm-to-School Network that gets more regional foods into schools and other institutions. IATP's Food and Health (Web site) is targeting outreach efforts to hospitals and other health care institutions. E&A also has an on-the-ground project in south Minneapolis to provide healthful, regional foods to a neighborhood lacking adequate healthy food choices.

Meeting Summary of IATP's Upper Midwest Farm to School Networking Meeting, August 5, 2004, Madison, WI.

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