Forwarded by Jane Clark at [log in to unmask]

Leopold Center Targeted for Severe Budget Cuts

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University
would have to eliminate 60% of the Centers's total research and outreach
budget if cuts proposed by an Iowa House of Representatives Committee are
approved.

The House Appropriations Committee recently voted to remove $500,000 from
the relatively small Leopold Center budget.  The full House will likely
debate the proposal early in the week of April 23rd.

The Leopold Center is charged with identifying negative impacts of
agricultural practices and developing profitable farming systems that
serve our natural resources.  The promotion of environmentally-friendly
practices leads to voluntary changes in farming systems, avoiding the need
for extreme regulations.

It is estimated that 75% of the multiple-year research projects already
underway would not be funded for the next year.

Examples of programs that would be eliminated include:
Organic agriculture research program;
Ongoing hoop house and alternative swine production program;
Local and regional food marketing efforts;
Farmer energy use research and alternative energy source and conservation
research; and
Support for on-farm demonstrations and research by Practical Farmers of
Iowa.

Immediate Action Needed.
Call your legislators Monday to urge them to oppose cuts to the Leopold
Center for Sustainable Agriculture.
House Switchboard:  (515)281-3221
Senate Switchboard:  (515)281-3371

State Capitol
Des Moines, IA  50319
  HYPERLINK http://www.legis.state.ia.us   www.legis.state.ia.us

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