World Food Prize Foundation CEO and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack speaks at Axios Des Moines' event. Photo: Amanda Parker for Axios
"Farm policy has basically rewarded the large-scale farming operations, but we've sacrificed smaller-scale farming operations, and that has had a direct impact on communities."
— Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack
World Food Prize Foundation CEOTom Vilsack says U.S. agricultural policies are geared toward supporting larger farms, and that has contributed to Iowa's current nitrate and fertilizer problems.
He also said he's concerned about adding more regulations on farmers to address water nitrate levels, noting family-owned farms are already financially struggling in Iowa.
Instead, he advocates for strategies like converting manure into a commodity product like methane.
The big picture: He spoke yesterday at the Des Moines Heritage Center during Axios' event, "Farms, Communities and the Future of Rural America."
What's next: We'll have our full conversation available to watch next week.
