This is an evaluation of seven one-year food system projects funded by the Local Food & Farm Initiative (LFFI). The initiative is funded by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature and administered from the Leopold Center. For ever dollar of LFFI investment in these projects, another $17.92 was leveraged by project leaders and their partners.

This is a working document of the Regional Food Systems Working Group that outlines some of the best practices for developing a local food system in the areas of coalition building, fundraising, promotion of local food, events and celebrations, producer training and workshops, sales to institutions, farm-to-school and fulfilling the facilitation/connector role. It was compiled from information submitted by regional coordinators of the RFSWG.

This case study of Bill and Geri Hanson's black walnut enterprise was prepared as part of a 2013 research grant to evaluate the potential return on investment for growing perennial crops in Iowa.

This case study of Mark Fisher's Christmas tree operation was prepared as part of a 2013 research grant to evaluate the potential return on investment for growing perennial crops in Iowa.

Leopold Center support over three years has helped Ajay Nair, assistant professor in Horticulture, set up the ISU Sustainable Vegetable Production Lab, a research and education program to help small producers in Iowa.

This publication looks at what's been learned from research on sustainable land tenure arrangements through a special initiative with the Drake Agricultural Law Center, and other opportunities created by the Leopold Center's major investment in this work.

This case study of Larry and Nancy Turner's aronia berry operation was prepared as part of a 2013 research grant to evaluate the potential return on investment for growing perennial crops in Iowa.

Farmers have a number of tools to use in managing agricultural risk. This summary examines the relationship between one of those tools—crop insurance—and extreme weather. The paper focuses on how non-operating landowners (NOLs) might consider the relationship between crop insurance and conservation practices on their farms.

This case study of Roger and Joyce Jensen's hazelnut operation was prepared as part of a 2013 research grant to evaluate the potential return on investment for growing perennial crops in Iowa.

This document summarizes management practices, production data, pricing information, tips for success, enterprise worksheets and a financial model showing the potential return on investment for growing six perennial crops: aronia berry, black walnuts, chestnuts, Christmas trees, elderberries and hazelnuts. The guide and case studies for each crop also are available from Trees Forever.