The Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ford Foundation are convening a National Conference and Conversation on Rural Wealth Creation and Livelihoods, October 3 – 5, 2011, in Washington, D.C.

This conference will bring together researchers, practitioners and policy-makers who are working on regional and rural development issues to discuss and facilitate a common understanding about fostering wealth creation and improved livelihoods in rural America through research and local, regional and federal development initiatives.

The objectives of the Conference are:

• Increase understanding about what wealth is, and how wealth is created and maintained to expand livelihood opportunities and sustain rural communities.
• Improve understanding about how policies and practices contribute and interact to create and sustain wealth in varying rural community contexts.
• Surface questions and situations related to rural wealth creation that merit new or deeper research and/or improved program or policy approaches.
• Begin to develop a shared framework and vocabulary around rural wealth creation that can connect research, practice and policy.
• Open a practice-relevant dialogue and launch an ongoing community of practice – including practitioners, researchers and policymakers – around rural wealth creation.

The conference will be limited to no more than 150 participants, both to encourage exchange among participants from a range of experience, background and geographic location, and to allow for a significant number of partial scholarships.

All those interested in attending the conference are requested to apply by responding to a Call for Participation.

To respond to the Call, go here.

Download the Call for Participation PDF here.

Applications are due by May 15, 2011.