Policies/Politiques : Strengthening The Rural Economy, US

Source: Executive Office of the President, Council of Economic Advisers.
This report surveys the current state of rural America and describes the Obama Administration’s policies for strengthening the rural economy. Many of these policies are already being implemented through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. But further work remains to ensure the prosperity and vitality of rural America.

Our survey of the current state of rural America identifies both important strengths and significant challenges facing the rural economy.

• The rural economy is more economically diverse than it once was. Agriculture directly employs only a small fraction of rural workers, though ancillary businesses are included in other sectors. Manufacturing, services, government, and wholesale and retail trade are important additional sources of rural employment.

• The U.S. agricultural sector remains more productive than those of other high-income countries and is highly competitive in international markets.

• The labor force of rural America is aging and its educational attainment lags behind that of urban areas for the working-age population.

• Improvements in health status in rural areas have not kept pace with those in urban areas, and access to doctors and health services has been an important challenge in rural areas.

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Read excerpts: "The Rural Economy — The President's View".