Rural Prosperity Report Released at Farm Bureau Convention

The president’s task force on rural prosperity officially released its report on Monday at the Farm Bureau national convention.

Politico says Cabinet officials made a lot of recommendations in the report for improving the quality of life in rural America, including more online connectivity and more training programs.

The report says that only 39 percent of rural America is able to access adequate broadband. As far as employment, it’s been growing more slowly in rural districts compared to urban areas going as far back as 1970. Plus, it’s no longer just young people that are leaving rural areas and headed for bigger cities. The report also says it’s important to build public confidence in the oversight of biotechnology.

Pro Ag reported last month that universities and small companies view the Trump deregulation push as a good opportunity to streamline the approval process for GMO’s.

The task force also mentioned the importance of trade to rural economies, but, at the same time toed the company line on creating “fair trade” deals.

Read the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report (.pdf)

From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.