Leopold center seeks research ideas for 2013

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture is looking for innovative ideas that will help fulfill its mission to identify and reduce negative environmental and socio-economic impacts of agricultural practices and contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources.

Specifics are outlined in the Leopold Center's 2012 Request for Pre-proposals (RFP) that is part of its long-running competitive grants program. The deadline for submitting ideas, in the form of a two to three page concept paper, is August 10. Projects selected in the process are eligible for funding beginning in 2013.

The Leopold Center is seeking the following long-term outcomes.

Water and Soil: water resources that increase in quality and quantity over time; improved soil quality that ensures long-term productivity and crop yields.

People: agricultural systems that yield multiple benefits (for people, ecology and profit) and create more opportunities and vibrant communities on the land.

Energy: on-farm energy conservation that is increased with use of low external input systems and innovative energy systems relying on fewer outside energy inputs.

Land Management: practices that enhance the integrity and adaptability of biotic communities and encourage agricultural production systems that anticipate and adapt to greater weather variability.

The Center will accept pre-proposals from investigators representing any Iowa nonprofit organization/agency and/or educational institution, including soil and water conservation districts, schools and colleges and regional development groups. Farmers, landowners and farm-based businesses are encouraged to participate in the pre-proposal process.

Each of the Center's four initiatives - ecology, marketing and food systems, cross-cutting (water, energy, soil and alternative farming systems) and policy - are participating in the RFP.

The RFP can be downloaded from the Center's web site at www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/rfp.

Hard copies can be obtained from the Center office by calling 515-294-3711 or emailing leocenter(at)iastate.edu. Inquiries should be directed to the appropriate initiative coordinator.