HISTORY OF MCCC

In August 2006, a diverse group from academia, farmers, non-governmental organizations, commodity interests, private sector, and representatives from federal and state agencies convened at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to explore the potential of a regional collaboration to restore year-round living cover on the Midwest landscape. The intent of this gathering was to share current research, identify emergent priorities for regional collaboration, discuss contemporary challenges preventing broader adoption of living cover on the Upper Midwest landscape, and explore the possibility of a multidimensional partnership.

In August 2007 a strategic plan was completed, based on input from a planning meeting in April in Minneapolis and phone discussions with numerous stakeholders.  The strategic plan outlines the mission, vision, and values of the group as well as the initial organizational structure and the overarching priorities for work.  The Executive Committee has held regular conference calls and submitted grant proposals for funding some of the proposed work of the Council.  In March 2008 the third annual meeting was held in Indianapolis.  This meeting provided networking opportunities and included small group working sessions on needs in extension, research, communications, and policy development.  The working groups are currently collaborating on development of a Midwest cover crop selection tool, web site development, other education/extension needs, strategic communications planning, and research proposal development.

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