rural

The paper defines value-added agriculture,
describes these policies across the 50 States, and discuss how the various policies may work.

The U.S. General Accounting Office report concludes that there is little evidence that agencies consider Rural Development Act of 1972 requirements when siting new facilities. The report looked at which agencies had recently selected urban locations other than the District or 10 formerly designated federal regional cities compared to rural areas, whether or not they should have, what lessons the federal government could take from private sector site selection, and which federal functions lend themselves to rural locations.

The report identifies by a competitive process 43 dynamic and effective programs at rural community colleges in the U.S. and abroad that are helping rural businesses adapt to current economic trends. Several benchmark practices are profiled that encompass effective responses to the regional economic conditions.

The report released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce reveals rural communities are using telecommunications and information technologies for many purposes, from developing local economies to managing natural resources to improving access to education

The report was developed to provide the San Joaquin Valley agricultural producers, processors, and affiliated business and resources with specific and current information regarding the dynamics of the New Economy Marketplace and the impact of environmental challenges on their continued success in an increasingly competitive global market. It suggests areas where the Valley can best focus to seize a competitive advantage.

According to the report, the future of biotech rests on consumer acceptance. Some consumers are skeptical and believe that the environment and food safety may be at risk. Unless this hurdle of acceptance is cleared, biotech’s promise of a bold new future could be at risk.

The Appalachian Regional Commission reports the growing importance of development venture capital funds in attracting more private capital investment into the Appalachian Region. The report outlines the need for development venture capital funds in rural and distressed communities and presents several specific investment opportunities within Appalachia.

According to the authors, adoption of the improved maize package was particularly rapid during the period 1980-86 when an attractive guaranteed price was offered and extension activities were reinforced by a maize project that included the establishment of a seed multiplication program.

The working paper by the Benton Foundation reports that transitions in the U.S. economy show declines in primary industries and manufacturing and rapid growth in the service industry.