A Hard Look at USDA's Rural Development Programs

This report addresses current economic conditions in rural America and offers recommendations about the role the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can play in providing rural development. The Task Force identifies issues for rural policy in the 1990's focusing on economic development. Current rural programs are described and critiqued, including infrastructure building, services to businesses, financial capital to business, rural education, rural workforce training, information and research. Recommendations include: (1) focusing policy on the nonfarm rural economy; (2) modifying and clarifying the USDA rural mission; (3) strengthening coordination of USDA's rural programs; (4) enhancing USDA's capacity for strategic action through the Office of the Under Secretary for Small Community and Rural Development; and (5) improving the USDA's ability to implement rural programs through development of employee skills and training and informational support to USDA staff. Appendix A provides funding information on USDA's rural development programs. Results from a survey of USDA employees are tabulated in Appendix B. Appendix C lists State Food and Agriculture Councils (FAC) by state, with names and addresses for the FAC Chairperson and the Rural Development Chairperson. A summary of condition in the changing rural world is given in Appendix D. Appendix E lists task force assignments in completing tile report. Finally, conclusions from the work group on USDA management strategies and organizational structures are enumerated in Appendix F.