Henry A. Wallace Center for Agricultural & Environmental Policy
AJAA Moves to CABI Publishing
The American Journal of Alternative Agriculture (AJAA) is moving to a new home. Beginning in 2002 with the publication of Volume 17, CABI Publishing, the well-known applied life sciences publisher located near Oxford in the United Kingdom, will be taking over the ownership and publication of the Journal. This transition has gone smoothly, and we anticipate no disruptions in the publication schedule.
Many factors contributed to this change. After l6 years of publishing, with limited resources and ever increasing costs, we felt that the sustainability of the AJAA could no longer be assured. This reality, coupled with our eagerness to ensure that the Journal would continue as an outlet for sound research and commentary on the full range of subjects germane to sustainable agriculture, prompted us to explore new institutional arrangements. Given CABI Publishing's excellent reputation for the impartial publication and dissemination of scientific information, we believe that the AJAA is moving into good hands. The Wallace Center welcomes its ongoing advisory role in helping CABI chart the Journal's future shape and direction.
As part of this important transition, we are pleased that Dr. John Doran, an ARS soil scientist located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the current president of the Soil Science Society of America, will become the next editor of the Journal, beginning in 2003. Meanwhile, we are equally pleased that the AJAA's current editor, Dr. Robert Papendick, retired ARS soil scientist at Washington State University in Pullman, will continue in this role until Dr. Doran takes over. Additionally, CABI Publishing and the new incoming editor are in the process of reassessing editorial board options, with the likelihood that a new board of associate editors will be appointed.
These changes have been carefully considered by the Wallace Center and CABI Publishing. The interrelated goals of securing the AJAA's viability, extending its outreach, and maintaining its scientific credibility have guided the decision-making throughout this transition. CABI Publishing is aware of the AJAA’s place in the developing science of alternative agriculture, and is eager to build upon the Journal’s contributions to the furtherance of a sustainable agriculture. In this regard, you may see some additional emphasis on international and policy aspects of sustainable agriculture, changes long anticipated and supported by the Wallace Center. Also, for the first time, subscribers will have access to an electronic version of the AJAA.
In closing, please be assured that CABI Publishing and the Wallace Center remain steadfast in the desire to continue bringing you the highest quality research and policy information on the character and needs of a truly sustainable agriculture and food system.
Garth Youngberg, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief
31 December 2001. Published in American Journal of Alternative Agriculture, Volume 16, Number 4 (2001), page 146.
