Two Drake University faculty members received grants for the Agricultural Law Center totaling more than $100,000.

The United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency awarded a $91,000 grant to Neil Hamilton, Dwight D. Opperman Chair of Law and director of the Agricultural Law Center; and Edward Cox, Agricultural Law Center fellow, for an online legal marketing guide. The guide will support legal, marketing, and risk management information for eight test audiences. Hamilton and Cox’s project will provide farmers and ranchers with information to understand the appropriate uses and contingencies associated with existing and emerging risk management tools. The project will also educate farmers and ranchers on how to navigate risk management decisions.

Grants from the Risk Management Agency are distributed to partners who provide risk management and crop insurance education. Funding is also provided for community outreach and assistance, and research and development projects.

The Agricultural Law Center also received a $12,000 grant from the Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District for the Conservation Lease Specialist Project. Through the project, the Center will conduct educational outreach for Allamakee County, Iowa landowners regarding farm lease arrangements and conservation requirements. Outreach will provide legal information on the duties of stewardship and landlord-tenant law at landowner meetings. Hamilton and Cox will also share information with the Allamakee Conservation District on working with landowners to ensure compliance of conservation requirements.

Drake Law School’s Agricultural Law Center’s research and policy action is focused on promoting better food and agriculture systems. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this academic year, the Center is internationally recognized for studying how the legal system shapes our food system and influences the agricultural sector.

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