Jim Kleinschmit works with farmers and rural citizens to capture opportunities for rural revitalization through increased local leadership capacity, sustainable resource management, new market creation and community-based development. Jim founded IATP’s Rural Communities Program in 2006, and developed and still oversees IATP’s Working Landscapes Certificates program, which promotes more sustainable farming practices tied to the bioplastics sector. He now leads IATP’s overall work on energy and climate, with a specific focus on impacts and opportunities for farmers and rural communities worldwide.
Jim grew up milking cows and learning about sustainable farming and rural organizing from his parents on their (now) organic farm in Northeast Nebraska. He has a M.A. from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington-Seattle and a B.A. from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Jim is a regular presenter and keynote speaker on issues of sustainable agriculture and bioplastics, biofuels and climate change.
Source; Great lakes green chemistry network