February 2010
Mega Farm Loophole Remains Open
In a repudiation of the president’s central campaign pledge on rural policy, the Obama administration has refused to close the biggest loophole in the
federal farm payment limitation.
Corporate Farming Notes-Courts Favor Monsanto
On January 15, Judge E. Richard Webber, U.S. District Court of Saint Louis, ruled that a 2002 licensing agreement prohibits DuPont
from creating a new line of seeds in which its own glyphosate-tolerant genetic trait is stacked with Monsanto’s Roundup Ready trait.
States Need Solid Energy Policies
It’s an opportune time to shape state policies to ensure that wind energy development provides lasting benefits to rural communities and wealth to
ordinary citizens.
Addressing All Elements of Local Food
These days it seems the most popular person to be in the food system is the “local farmer.” Farmers markets are popping up everywhere, and their size
and popularity grow all the time. Local food is trendy – even the First Family is in on it.
Beginning Farmers: Look beyond Commodity Crops
We’re often asked how best to support beginning farmers and ranchers once they’ve accessed land. We’re always on the lookout for ideas, but the following advice is a good starting point.
High Tunnel Pilot Project
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Nebraska is offering a 3-year high tunnel pilot project to farmers in 38 states.
Self-Employed and Health Reform
Health reform legislation pending before Congress begins to address the challenges faced by self-employed Americans in securing affordable insurance, but it does not get the whole job done.
Across the Nation
Nationwide: Growing old in rural areas is getting harder due to cuts to local and state governments that fund programs for the elderly.
Community Leadership and Generation Y
Generation Y is top-of-mind for rural community leaders. They’d like to know how to draw these young individuals and families back to their communities. Once they’ve done that, they’d also like to figure out how best to involve them in leadership roles.
MarketPlace Offers Opportunity for Growth
If you are a farmer, rancher, civic leader, rural developer, small business owner or are thinking of starting a small business, you should attend the Center for Rural Affairs’ MarketPlace conference.
Revitalization Strategies for Rural America
Keeping our rural communities strong is vital to the renewal of rural America. With that in mind, the Center for Rural Affairs has devoted a new section of our website to providing resources, news, and information on how to revitalize our communities.
REAP Staffer Receives Award
It was an exceptional year for the Center for Rural Affairs’ REAP program on many fronts, including receipt of several substantial awards. (REAP is our full-service rural small business development program.)
Development Matters: Think Spring and Renewal
The winter months seem long this year in the Midwest. Here around Lyons, Nebraska, we have more snow than we have received in years. Many people are ready for a spring that brings rebirth and new growth.
