It is appropriate that we are gathered here, in Pennsylvania's own Lancaster County to look toward the future of Rural 2000. Rural Pennsylvania is the keystone of our state. We have the largest rural population in the nation.
Agriculture is our number one industry.
And the vitality of our small towns and communities is intimately linked to the enduring strength of every component of Pennsylvania life. Right here in Lancaster County, our state must face the many challenges rural America must face. The pressures of rural versus urban. Demographics that change. Now, more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to strengthen our rural communities.