Agriculture Policy Analyst

Daniel Palmer

A high school student from Massachusetts, Daniel is passionate about the intersection of academic research and public policy. As a research assistant at Harvard University, he applies his skills to the Institute for Youth in Policy, striving to expand opportunities for high school students in academia.

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All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

A Deep Dive into the CAFO Industry's Impact and Evolution

Agriculture Policy

April 14, 2025

This brief examines the complex debate surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which are integral to modern food production but raise significant environmental, ethical, and health concerns. It provides a historical overview of CAFOs' emergence, explores the arguments from economic and environmental stakeholders, and evaluates the consequences of insufficient regulation. The brief also highlights current policy frameworks, such as the Clean Water Act and proposed amendments, alongside potential strategies to balance economic benefits with environmental and public health protections.

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The Only Way is Up: An Analysis on the Future of Vertical Farming

Agriculture Policy

March 25, 2025

Since the beginning of American civilization, agriculture practices have been a cornerstone for progress. However, as concerns about climate change, resource management, and food insecurity increase, so does society’s responsibility to innovate the agricultural industry to address these concerns. As cities develop and as the United States’ population increases, the land for agriculture becomes increasingly more scarce. There have been many attempts to resolve this problem—the most notable being vertical farming. The concept of vertical farming, dates back to the early 20th century but gained significant traction in the late 1990s with the work of Dr. Dickson Despommier, a professor at Columbia University. Despommier popularized the idea of growing food in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments. Early iterations of vertical farming were driven by the increasing urbanization of the global population and the limitations of traditional agriculture in urban centers. As the world faces growing challenges related to food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability, vertical farming has emerged as a viable solution to these challenges.

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California Almonds: Weighing Economic Impact vs. Water Sustainability

Agriculture Policy

November 3, 2024

The California almond industry is a major economic driver but faces scrutiny for its high water consumption amid the state’s persistent droughts. While farmers emphasize almonds' economic benefits, environmental advocates argue that water use is excessive and threatens long-term sustainability. Current policies attempt to balance these interests, yet both sides call for further reforms. This paper examines the impact of almond farming on California’s water resources and evaluates potential pathways toward sustainable growth.

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