Renewable energy is already generating significant benefits to Iowa‘s economy and environment. Thousands of Iowans are employed at companies that provide goods and services for wind energy and solar energy. Meanwhile, the thousands of recently installed wind turbines have allowed Iowa utilities to generate less electricity from fossil - fueled power plants, which means cleaner air and water for Iowa and beyond. Compared to just ten years ago, there has been a huge increase in the renewable energy technologies installed in both urban and rural Iowa, but the state has only begun to tap the enormous potential for renewable energy. As these resources are developed with solar photovoltaic panels, solar hot water systems, wind turbines, and other technologies, the considerable economic and environ mental benefits will only grow.

This report builds on earlier data and analysis funded by the Leopold Center that covered the first eight years of commercial use of genetically engineered crops. More recent reports are available at The Organic Center.

Consultant Chris Blanchard outlines post-harvest equipment, packing facility and handling procedures for eight classes of vegetables, based on case studies of three produce operations in the Upper Midwest. Originally developed and published online in 2009 for the Leopold Center and the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Working Group, the material was adapted to a print publication by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems at the University of Wisconsin.

This two-page document summarizes the statewide impact of the local food industry on Iowa's economy in connection with efforts of the Regional Food Systems Working Group (RFSWG). The evaluation was conducted by the Leopold Center.

This report outlines training, support and programs that could help more young people enter agriculture. The report outlines how existing programs could be targeted for beginning and new farmers, as well as suggestions for new programs, such as individual development accounts. The study was supported by the Leopold Center's Policy Initiative (P2006-09).

This report, prepared for the University of Minnesota Department of Applied Economics, discusses local foods in public schools.

Collaborative Community Supported Agriculture serves as a business incubator for new growers, helps existing growers expand and diversify, and offers a host of other benefits to Iowa communities.

This project summarizes the results and data from a winter farrowing greenhouse project conducted for the Pork Niche Market Working Group from August 2003 to Oct 2003.

This is a summary of five case studies conducted by the Grass-based Livestock Working Group to show how managed grazing can improve Iowa grasslands. The studies covered short rotations, grazing the prairie, CRP in rotation, grass banks and goats.

This is a summary of an 18-page report: 2013 Economic Impacts of Iowa's Regional Food Systems Working Group. The report looks at the statewide impact of the local foods sector on Iowa's economy, based on data collected in 2012 and 2013 by local food coordinators who are part of RFSWG.