Public Policy Archives
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute- East Troy, WI
The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute works to reform state and federal government policy to support agriculture that is good for the environment, public health and rural and urban communities. To accomplish this we work in coalition with farmers, environmentalists, policymakers and other sustainable agriculture organizations.
MFAI staff coordinates the nationwide grassroots campaign to secure federal funding for the sustainable agriculture movement, through the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture. To do this we collaborate with many other partners, including the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, the five regional Sustainable Agriculture Working Groups, and many other local, state and national groups. Our campaign has resulted in protecting scores of millions of dollars for the movement. We also work on other federal policies, including development and implementation of the 2007 Farm Bill.
At the state level, we have helped create keystone programs for the sustainable agriculture movement. We currently work on the following issues: 
- On-farm conservation: Conservation Security Program implementation
- Rural economic development and entrepeneurism: Value Added Producer Grant Program implementation; outreach to underserved farmers
- Managed grazing: Research and outreach on barriers to managed grazing
- Food systems: Creation and implementation of the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program
- Farmland protection: Participation in Governor's Working Lands Initiative Taskforce
We are members of the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture and the Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group.
Michael Fields’ Bioenergy Work
The Institute recently received a grant from the Energy Foundation along with Clean Wisconsin to join a coalition of groups in Wisconsin working for legislative passage of advanced bioenergy policies in the state. Energy proposals we will be advocating include a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a Bioenergy Crop Reserve Program, and pay-backs for energy generated using renewable energy. The grant goes into effect this fall.
New State Grazing Extension Specialist 
Many of Wisconsin's managed graziers have long sought closer linkages to the University of Wisconsin's research community; and MFAI has worked to help create a position to accomplish this. On October 1, Iowa County crops and livestock extension agent Rhonda Gildersleeve begins a UW-Extension position as a grazing state specialist.
While many dairy and livestock farmers understand grazing's benefits to their bottom line, especially as fuel costs soar, research results will also be emerging on the relationship between grazing and soil conservation, nutrient management, water quality, and wildlife, and on many other topics.
Seeds and Breeds
In March 2008, MFAI Policy Program Intern Nikki Check attended the Seeds and Breeds National 
Summit, hosted by the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA). The Summit addressed the increasing trends of consolidation and dwindling public resources for planting and livestock breeding. In her article, Nikki highlights the needs for public breeding programs that support a diverse, sustainable agriculture in a changing climate.
» Read the full article
Some helpful links
National:
- Community Food Project Grants
- Community Food Security Coalition
- Conservation Security Program
- National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA)
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
- Value-Added Producer Grant Program
Wisconsin: