Publication archives

Jan 17, 2025

A note on the incoming U.S. government

by
Sophia Murphy
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy is about policy. Our work centers on how public institutions and policies can reshape food, farm and trade systems for the good of people and the planet.
American flags in front of U.S. capitol
Jan 14, 2025

Three questions for USDA nominee Brooke Rollins

by
Michael Happ
The food and farm system is vast, complex and global. The United States occupies an important role in the global food system, both as a nation of consumers and one of vast food and fiber production.
sign on building reading "Department of Agriculture"
Jan 8, 2025

Three questions for nominated EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

by
Ben Lilliston
The incoming Trump Administration has moved quickly on nominees to administer most government agencies.
Environmental Protection Agency building sign
Jan 6, 2025

IATP comments on USDA NRCS Climate Smart Agriculture Conservation Practice Standards

by
Michael Happ
The following comments were submitted by IATP Dec. 23, 2024 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. View a PDF of the full comments here.
Dec 12, 2024

IATP comments to MPCA on PFAS biosolids strategy

by
Michael Happ
The following comments were submitted on Dec. 12, 2024 to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.   MPCA’s guiding principles on PFAS pollution are laudable ones, and they are principles that we agree should be pursued:  Prevent PFAS pollution wherever possible. 
sludge
Dec 4, 2024

Bad climate policy is locking in the factory farm system

by
Ben Lilliston
Despite a range of climate policies backing factory farm gas, the emerging sector is highly controversial, particularly in rural communities where the highly polluting operations are located.
biogas digesters and manure storage
Nov 26, 2024

Buffer Food Stocks for Addressing Volatility and Food Security in Developing Countries – Trends and Future Direction

by
Calvin Manduna
Uncertainty is an integral part of agricultural production. This brief discusses lessons learned from recent research on public stockholding programs in developing countries. We make some recommendations for policy makers intended to improve their design and implementation.
row of grain silos
Nov 21, 2024

Carbon Farming Won't Save the Planet

by
Sophie Scherger
At first glance, funding climate action through soil carbon credits instead of taxpayer dollars may seem like a win-win solution. But real-world evidence suggests that improving soil health and supporting farmers as they adapt to more sustainable practices would be far more effective.
glass ball in soil