Forum emphasizes strong rural America

SCOTTSBLUFF -- The purpose of the Rural Community Forum held in Scottsbluff Monday was to help the United States Department of Agriculture chart a course to bring rural communities into the new, 21st-century economy. Introducing the topic and then answering questions were U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, Nebraska U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith and Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman.

Salazar gave the agenda priorities for the Department of Interior as (1) climate change, (2) preserve nature's grandeur and tell America's story and (3) connect to young people and get them reconnected to the great outdoors. He said our young people spend an average of six hours daily using our new technology in a sedentary environment and only four minutes a day outdoors.

Salazar applauded the new Farm Bill for opening up a new chapter of opportunity for Rural America. He argued it was time the forgotten Rural America was remembered because food security is dependent upon a prosperous Rural America.

Vilsack reminded the audience that the national treasures have been entrusted to the Department of Interior. The culture and heritage of Americans are found in these national treasures.

Vilsack predicted a $33 billion decrease in farm income this year. He said the stimulus would provide help for those transitioning from bad times to good, build much needed infrastructure (including electrical transmissions lines and $9 billion for broadband technology) and create new economic opportunities for Rural America.

A wide variety of subjects were covered during the question and answer period including global marketing, Plum Island relocation plan, NAIS, pork purchases by USDA, proposed revision of the Clean Water Act , biotechnology, how to educate government decision makers, and many more. Unlike many government meetings, all questions were answered directly with very little weaseling.

Vilsack pointed out that in Nebraska in the past eight to nine years, 25 percent of all money in the Rural Development Grant Program has been spent on convenience stores and hotels sending the message "it is great to visit but you don't want to stay too long."

In answer to a question from a labor union member, Vilsack said the Stimulus Package gave directions to look at wages earned. Stimulus wages were to be above average.

Vilsack's hope is that, over time, current programs will make Rural America "the place to be". He said the information gathered at the 21 Rural Community Tour meetings and those in the future will be studied and will play a part in developing programs that will promote success for Rural America.

Salazar summed up the session by saying, "America needs to learn food should not be taken for granted. What we can produce today may not always be true. If you don't have food, you will not have economic stability."

The USDA has announced another Rural Community Forum on October 5th in Bath, South Dakota. No other forums are currently listed on their website but, if one comes to your neighborhood, you won't want to miss it.