Rationale Rural America is in a time of transition due to economic restructuring, changing cultural values, and other factors. Many of these changes reflect a changing balance between the forces of market, state, and society. Choices made to maintain economic growth have at times done so at the cost of vital rural communities and natural resources, resulting in a shift of power to the market and limiting opportunities for inclusive citizen participation. The influence of global processes is having a negative impact on some rural regions as traditional markets and local cultures are often diluted. For other regions, it has opened up new windows of opportunity for enhanced economic growth and democratic participation.
Rural communities face many demographic, social, political, and economic changes.
The College will be a leader in education and research on systems that will produce, process and distribute plant and animal products in an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner. Rationale Minnesota ranks seventh nationally in total agricultural cash receipts and in agricultural exports. Unique production systems are required by each to be profitable and sustainable. Environmental concerns have come to the forefront and have become relevant as a driving force affecting production. Among the concerns are fertilizer and animal manure applications and run off, odor emissions and nutrient cycling.