Agriculture and Rural Development

JUMP-STARTING RURAL ECONOMIES

Although much of America is thriving economically, rural areas have not recovered from the Great Recession, and policymakers are concerned. Home to 46 million Americans and covering 72 percent of the land, rural America’s economy faces a competitive disadvantage compared to urban areas. Economic progress is hindered by, among other factors, a declining and aging population, lack of access to capital and stagnate infrastructure development.

URBAN AGRICULTURE STATE LEGISLATION

Agriculture in urban and suburban areas has risen in popularity in recent years due to an interest in increasing access to healthy foods, promoting sustainable community development and sourcing local produce. States often consider urban agricultural policymaking as part of a larger local food system and may encourage related activities to support agricultural processors, distributors, and marketing.   

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