The U.S.-German Future Forum Agriculture, led by the Aspen Institute Germany in collaboration with implementing partner, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, addresses this need by facilitating dialogue and collaboration between German and U.S. farmers and key stakeholders from research and business. Through the exchange of experiences, the opportunity to visit best practices on-site, and the establishment of new transatlantic networks, this project will promote innovative approaches for the future of agriculture and rural areas.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until October 15, 2024, from farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders living in the U.S. or Germany to apply to be a part of this unique transatlantic dialogue during the third program year in 2025. In addition to the fundamental social, economic, and political importance of agriculture for rural regions, this third cohort will focus in particular on the core issue of land use conflicts between renewable energy and agriculture in rural areas.

*We are looking for one ACES faculty member to be a part of the cohort.*

Alumni and others from around the country who meet the qualifications are invited to apply.

The Rainforest Alliance is interested in helping communities and small- and medium-sized enterprises to harvest and manufacture forest and non-timber forest products in a sustainable manner, and market these goods to responsible businesses and consumers. The Kleinhans Fellowship provides US$20 thousand over two years for research on this topic in Latin America, with preference for sites where the Rainforest Alliance currently supports community forestry. Applicants must have at least a master’s degree in forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science, or an appropriate related field.