Policy Report Maps Diversification Pathways for Corn Belt Farmers

By Andi Anderson

A newly released report from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology outlines policy changes that could help farmers across the Corn Belt diversify agricultural production. The report, titled Diversifying the Corn Belt: Policy pathways for a resilient agricultural future, is based on four years of research and feedback from farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Indiana along with;Illinois, and Iowa.

Researchers explain that agriculture in the Corn Belt has long depended on corn and soybeans. While these crops have supported farm productivity, the report warns that reliance on a limited number of commodities creates economic and environmental challenges. Market volatility, rising costs, and environmental stress have increased risk for farmers across the region.

“Commodity production has become risky,” project lead Linda Prokopy said during a webinar explaining the findings. “There are a lot of challenges for farmers…and diminishing returns of an ag system that’s based on monoculture.”

To reduce these risks, the report encourages diversification through crops such as oats and other small grains, forage crops, bioenergy crops, and the integration of livestock systems. These approaches could improve soil health, provide alternative income, and increase overall farm resilience.

The report identifies four major areas where policy support is needed. These include crop insurance programs, conservation incentives, post‑harvest market infrastructure, and institutional food purchasing. Researchers note that many existing crop insurance policies do not adequately support farmers growing less common crops, discouraging diversification.

Limited processing facilities and reliable markets for alternative crops are also key barriers. “Farmers are not willing to adopt a diverse crop or product if there’s not a market to sell it to,” said researcher Brennan Radulski.

The report recommends expanding insurance coverage to include more crops, investing in regional processing infrastructure, and encouraging institutions such as schools and hospitals to purchase locally produced food. According to researchers, these strategies could strengthen local economies and reduce environmental impacts.

While diversification offers many benefits, the report emphasizes that success will require coordinated policy efforts and sustained long term investment across the agricultural system.

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