Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and other minorities are among the fastest growing segments of American society. In NC minorities already compose one quarter of the total population, so this growth-rate has been slower than other states. The number of women in the labor force continues to increase, perhaps equaling the number of men by 2010. The median age of the labor force continues to increase, with the largest percentage of the work force over 40 years of age. The basic structure of North Carolina's economy will continue to change with profound effects on communities.
Agriculture is in a period of uncertainty.
Global trade policies and competition will affect agriculture. Technological developments will continue to enhance productivity. Manufacturing output in North Carolina will grow more slowly and manufacturing employment may decline. Although the service sector may be the source of most new jobs in the next decade, information technologies will transform the way many of these service companies will operate. The federal government continues to transfer responsibilities to state and local governments, while federal funds to support such efforts have been reduced.