Pharmaceutical and Industrial Traits in Genetically Modified Crops: Co-existence with Conventional Agriculture, August 2006

This paper discusses the implications of using genetically modified crops to biomanufacture pharmaceuticals and industrial compounds from the perspective of their co-existence with conventional agriculture. Such plant-made pharmaceuticals and plantmade industrial products rely on exciting scientific and technological breakthroughs and promise new opportunities for the agricultural sector, but they also entail novel risks. The management of the externalities and of the possible unintended economic effects that arise in this context is critical and poses difficult questions for regulators.

Alternate Methods of Stabilizing Degrading Stream Channels in Western Iowa, Phase I, HR-208, 1980

Since the beginning of channel straightening at the turn of the century, the streams of western Iowa have degraded 1.5 to 5 times their original depth. This vertical degradation is often accompanied by increases in channel widths of 2 to 4 times the original widths. The deepening and widening of these streams has jeopardized the structural safety of many bridges by undercutting footings or pile caps, exposing considerable length of piling, and removing soil beneath and adjacent to abutments. Various types of flume and drop structures have been introduced in an effort to partially or totally stabilize these channels, protecting or replacing bridge structures. Although there has always been a need for economical grade stabilization structures to stop stream channel degradation and protect highway bridges and culverts, the problem is especially critical at the present time due to rapidly increasing construction costs and decreasing revenues. Benefits derived from stabilization extend beyond the transportation sector to the agricultural sector, and increased public interest and attention is needed.

Transportation and Iowa's Economic Future, 1993

This is a study of how transportation policy can be fashioned to improve Iowa's long-term economic prospects. The research focuses on the state level and covers pricing, resource allocation, investment, and other issues that directly affect the performance of public facilities that support transportation of goods and people to and from points in Iowa. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 begins with an assessment of how Iowa's economy is changing, both functionally and spatially. Commuting patterns and methods of goods movement are then discussed. The purpose of this analysis is to provide a context for the exploration of transportation policy issues in subsequent chapters. In Chapter 3 a framework is established for evaluating changes in transportation policies. A working definition of economic development is given and the role of government policies in making an area more attractive to economic activity is considered. Chapter 4 analyzes public policy options for Iowa's roads and highways. These policy options are intended to help the state compete for economic activity. Chapter 5 assesses alternative investment strategies for major navigational facilities on the upper Mississippi River. Chapter 6 examines major transportation policy issues in Iowa's agricultural sector. The current magnitude of agricultural shipments and the roles of several modes are presented. After focusing on issues related to railroad competitiveness, the analysis turns to how Iowa's rural roads should be financed. The need for joint investment and pricing decisions affecting waterways, railroads, and rural roads is stressed. Chapter 7 examines the current status of freight transportation in Iowa. An assessment is made of issues related to trucking and of intermodal transportation and its potential for cost-effective shipping to and from businesses in Iowa. Chapter 8 summarizes the key findings of this study, offering ten recommendations. These recommendations relate to transportation as a means of facilitating economic development.

The Collective-Quality Promotion in the Agribusiness Sector: An Overview, October 2005

This paper reviews the economic effects of collective-quality promotion through a survey of the recent literature devoted to common labeling and professional groups. Benefits and costs of common labeling and professional groups for improving quality are detailed. Some empirical facts are presented, mainly focusing on some European examples, since many European countries have a long history of producer-owned marketing programs. This paper shows that in some cases the collective-quality promotion can be a successful strategy for firms/farmers.

Welfare Impacts of Cross-Country Spillovers in Agricultural Research, 2007

The welfare implications of intellectual property protection (IPP) for private sector agricultural research are analyzed, focusing on the realistic cases in which countries provide different IPP levels, technology spills over across countries, and the public sector is involved in research. A model is developed to determine who benefits from, and who should pay for, the associated research. The paper contains some interesting results on the implications of a harmonization of IPP policies through multilateral agreements or via technology that allows research firms to prevent the copying of plants and animals that express traits that have emerged from their research.

Developing Iowa’s Bio-science Workforce: The Role of the Community Colleges of Iowa In Creating Skilled Workers for the Emerging Bio-science/Biotechnology Sector, 2006

The Iowa economy is undergoing great change. Among the sectors deemed important to Iowa’s economic future is bioscience. Definition of what constitutes the bioscience sector but suggests it includes agricultural, medical, plant-life sciences, and related industrial activity.

Iowa Agricultural Organization Directory

The directory of all the Agriculture organizations on Iowa

Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area in Waterloo Iowa, December 31, 2001 (Audit report on America's Agricultural Industrial Heritage Landscape Inc.)

Other Audit Reports

Audit report on America's Agricultural Industrial Heritage Landscape Inc. D/B/A Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area in Waterloo Iowa, December 31, 2002

Other Audit Reports