Rural Development priorities for 2012 Farm Bill sent to ag committees

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 — The Campaign for a Renewed Rural Development today called on Congress to include a strong and comprehensive Rural Development Title in the 2012 Farm Bill to create jobs and promote economic growth in rural America. The campaign, a diverse coalition of 32 national organizations, released its legislative priorities to guide lawmakers as they begin work on writing the new Farm Bill. [Senate letter / House letter]

“Federal rural development programs must be significantly enhanced and made a centerpiece of the 2012 Farm Bill if our nation is to strengthen economic competitiveness and improve quality of life in rural America,” said Lenny Eliason, president of the National Association of Counties (NACo), which chairs the campaign.

The campaign sent its just-released Rural Development Priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill to leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. The six key priorities outlined in the document fall under the following broad themes:

•           Clarify the Mission of USDA Rural Development

•           Provide Flexibility and Incentives for Regional Collaboration

•           Maintain Rural Development Investments

•           Maintain and Improve Technical Assistance

•           Improve Metrics and Accountability

•           Streamline Application and Reporting Processes