Rural America has major challenges in areas like inadequate rural housing, higher rural poverty rates especially among children, higher rates of substance abuse by youth, and difficulties in maintaining rural health care. The bigger problem is that America lacks a clear rural policy. Ag policy is often confused for rural policy, but rural America is much more than agriculture, and high commodity prices won t fix rural America. Chuck noted that there is a historic family rivalry between farm and rural interests, but that it doesn t serve either sibling well. Federal programs remain fragmented in Congress, in agencies, and even the philanthropic sector.
Collaboration is the key to advancing without major and difficult agency reforms.
Fluharty recommends moving toward an integrated place-based policy by healing any rift between rural and ag interests and by building coalitions with urban advocates. Chuck Fluharty complimented the leadership of Idaho s Senator Craig for introducing the National Rural Development Partnership Act and the leadership of IRP over its ten year history. He is hopeful that with the renewal of the Congressional Rural Caucus in the House and the new Administration, that progress toward a new rural policy may emerge. He concluded by urging the members of IRP to celebrate 10 years of making a difference. Many who attended have requested a copy of Chuck Fluharty's comprehensive look at Rural America.