On Thursday, September 22, the Campaign for a Renewed Rural Development released its campaign principles statement regarding the 2012 Farm Bill.  The campaign sent out identical letters to both Senate and House Agriculture Committee members, along with key USDA Rural Development contacts, outlining their recommendations for improving the Farm Bill’s Rural Development Title.

NSAC is a member of the Campaign and a signatory to the letter, along with 22 other organizations, including three NSAC member groups: Center for Rural Affairs, Partners for Rural America, and National Catholic Rural Life Conference.  Other signers include the National Association of Counties, American Planning Association, National Association of Development Organizations, and the Housing Assistance Council.

In the letter, the Campaign highlights 6 key priorities that will support the development of rural economies: 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; and streamline application and reporting processes.

The Rural Development campaign is a collaboration of 32 national organizations with a strong interest in the future of small town and rural America.  The organizations are working individually and collectively to support rural development programs and strategies that promote rural prosperity.   Their members view the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization as a key opportunity for Congress and the Administration to bolster the effectiveness of the federal investments made in rural America through USDA Rural Development.