Take it to the bank. A rural board meeting somewhere is grappling with the question of growth. These passionate discussions happen constantly in small towns. On one side are those who do not want their community to become a metropolis. On the other are those who want to see new infrastructure, services and economic opportunities. Every community changes. Look back 10 years … [Read more...]
Small Business Saturday? How about Small Business Every Day?
News articles throughout the U.S. each Thanksgiving week promote “Small Business Saturday.” It’s the day following “Black Friday,” when consumers are encouraged to support local, independent retailers with their Christmas shopping dollars. Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) reports that American Express launched the promotion in 2010 “to help small businesses … [Read more...]
Opinion: Upswing in direct purchasing brings challenges for small meat processors
By Johnathan Hladik, policy director, Center for Rural Affairs One of the great benefits of living in a rural community is our ability to enjoy food grown locally. Families appreciate easy access to high quality nutrition. Many farms and ranches depend on these local sales. Like so much of our daily life, this system was disrupted by COVID-19. When work is … [Read more...]
Opinion: Report showcases actionable climate change solutions for rural areas
By Kayla Bergman, policy associate, Center for Rural Affairs A bipartisan committee in the U.S. House of Representatives recently released a comprehensive plan outlining the policy steps needed to address climate change. The report, “Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America,” lays … [Read more...]
Protect meatpacking plant workers and our food supply
By Gladys Godinez, community organizer, Center for Rural Affairs Meatpacking plants across the country have become COVID-19 hotspots, and the struggles faced by the people working inside are apparent and alarming. Our friends and neighbors are being asked to risk their health, safety, and lives without vital protections on the job which, in turn, is endangering our food … [Read more...]