Rural Development

Piloted in Minnesota, the Rural Climate Dialogues began from the idea that rural citizens hold the solutions for addressing climate change in their communities. Our intensive work in three communities (Winona, Grand Rapids and Morris) has been globally recognized by the International Association for Public Participation as a creative and innovative form of community engagement that is empowering rural communities to take leadership in the transition to clean energy. 

CAFTA's Impact on U.S. Ethanol Market

The U.S. ethanol industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Much of this growth in the Midwest has been financed and fueled by local investments, primarily from family farmers, who own collectively over half of the 84 ethanol plants. These plants provide risk mitigation and a preferred market for corn farmers, new jobs and income streams for rural communities.

Cargill Does Know How To Play The Trade Game

Who wants Brazilian ethanol imported to the United States through El Salvador? Cargill Corporation apparently does. That's why the National Corn Growers was upset by a May 6 report that Cargill will build a dehydration plant that will convert ethanol from Brazil into fuel-grade ethanol for the U.S. market.

Addressing Climate Change and Providing New Opportunities for Farmers

Climate change mitigation can result in many benefits including greater valuation for environmental services provided by agriculture and regeneration of rural communities. This report takes a look at the possibilities for farmers and presents policy recommendations to make this a reality.