These themes, Risk Management, Work Force Development, Business Skills and Training, Public Information and Education, and New Market Opportunities, represent key elements in Northeast production agriculture and rural community development that are affected by the changing structure of agriculture. Panelists discussed needs and future opportunities for research and education in food, forestry, and agriculture. Business Skills and Training for agricultural-related business people, managers and entrepreneurs vs . The general tone of most producers in the Northeast was positive in terms of farm viability, profitability and community development. Increases are seen in Northeast farm numbers, gross receipts, and the number of women in agriculture.
Many growers are active in cooperatives, partnerships, and alliances.
Community development is diversified beyond production agriculture, recognizing and capitalizing on capacity, the diversity of local economies, and tourism. Research and education on niche marketing. Farm owners said that much of their labor force consisted of migrant farm workers, who work on the farm only for a short time. Statistics on foreign labor. Regulatory Issues in Production Agriculture - reactive policy making to crises can be risky.