Federal policy related to agriculture and food has evolved significantly over the last several decades. While the roughly twice per decade Farm Bill still addresses commodity price supports, it also provides significant federal funding for food stamps and farm conservation programs. Because the northeastern states and the midwestern states contain a distinct mix of urban and rural/agricultural areas, the Institute has played a unique role in bringing together regional interest groups from both worlds to address critical issues such as: urban food access, sustainable farming practices, the proliferation of markets for locally grown food, childhood obesity and rural water quality protection.

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