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Agriculture & Rural

That rural America is facing considerable challenges is beyond question. The economic, demographic and physical conditions of rural places in America present myriad problems for rural development.
The diverse range of rural areas have historically shared one unifying element: a natural resource-based economy. Agriculture continues to provide a context for rural life and, in many ways, for the kinds of economic activities that take place in rural areas.
The Agriculture and Rural Policy Group provides state policymakers with research, information and policy options on today's most salient agriculture and rural issues and emerging trends.

 

Resources
  1. Policy Positions & Resolutions
  2. State Legislation
  3. State Programs
  4. Interstate Compacts
  5. CSG Publications
  6. Biobased Legislation Database

 

 

 

Agriculture & rural: Interstate Compacts
Interstate Compact on Agricultural Grain Marketing
Establishes a commission to promote exporting American produced grain (e.g., wheat, durum, spelt, oats, rye, corn, barley, buckwheat, flaxseed, safflower, sunflower seed, soybeans, sorghum grains, peas and beans). Any U.S. state in which agricultural grains are produced for markets of the nation and world is eligible to belong to this compact.
Member states: CO, KS
Interstate Compact on Pest Control
Establishes a governing board to administer the compact and provides an insurance fund to which a party state may apply for financial support of pest control or eradication activities which are needed to protect valuable agricultural or forest crops.

 

Member states: AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, GA, FL, IL, KS, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY,OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Visit the National Center for Interstate Compacts for more information!

 

 

 

Agriculture & rural: state legislation
  1. Permitting Commercial Nonagricultural Activities to Occur, and Cell Towers to be erected on Preserved Farmland (2008)
  2. Sustainable Oceans: Aquaculture and Finfishing (2008)
  3. AgrAbility (2007)
  4. Agriculture Equipment Lighting and Reflector Standards (2007)
  5. An Act Concerning the Surety of Perishable Agricultural Commodities (2007)
  6. Relating to Animal Identification Program Records (2007)
  7. Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (2006)
  8. Certified Beef Program (2006)
  9. Registering Livestock Premises (2006)
  10. Regulating Selling, Storing or Distributing Seeds: Preempting Local Control (2006)
  11. Master Farmer Program (2005)
  12. Prohibiting Local Governments from Regulating Activities Related to Fertilizer (2005)
  13. Regulating Poultry Production Contracts (2005)
  14. Agricultural Odor Management (2004)
  15. Biodiesel Fuel (2004)
  16. Ethanol Production Incentive (2004)

 

 

 

Agriculture & rural: state programs

Innovations Awards

Alternate - Idaho - 2005 - Mapping Evapotranspiration from Satellites Project
To address water supply issues, cooperation between the University of Idaho, the Idaho Department of Water Resources, NASA and the private sector has created an operational tool for water administration using satellite image data.
Alternate - Pennsylvania - 2004 - Adjusted Gross Revenue—Lite (AGR-Lite)
This insurance program protects producers of agricultural commodities from reduction or loss of revenue due to natural disasters or fluctuations in market prices, paying out when a producer’s gross revenue falls below a level of coverage that the producer selects.
Finalist - Michigan - 2005 - Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
In order to develop and promote a recognized, voluntary and proactive environmental assurance program targeted to Michigan's agriculture industry, this program ensures that producers engage in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and are in compliance with applicable state and federal environmental regulations. MAEAP uses a systems approach based on education, site-specific risk assessments and third party verification that is developed for all Michigan farms, regardless of size, commodity or species.
Finalist - Missouri - 2005 - Rediscover Your Roots: Connecting Urban Dwellers with their Rural Heritage
This program promotes travel destinations that involve work/stay farms and native grown produce to address visitors' increased demand for cultural heritage and historical experiences, the need for additional income in agricultural communities and the need to reconnect vital constituencies in a state polarized by an urban/rural split.
Finalist - Pennsylvania - 2005 - Blue Ribbon Passport Program
The keystone in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s agritourism initiative, this program aims to partner various agricultural related assets and promote agricultural awareness through increased tourism. The program also helps drive agricultural economic development by assisting farms and farm-based ventures with additional income, thus preserving small farm operations and increasing tourism revenue in rural communities.
Finalist - North Dakota - 2004 - Cooperative Weed Management
This program encourages federal, state and local agencies to share funding and personnel to control and eradicate invasive weeds on public and private lands in the state.
South Dakota - 2004 - Livestock Auction Barn Planning Grant Program
This program gives grants to help communities modify livestock auction barns to comply with new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules for concentrated animal feeding operations.
Finalist - Washington - 2004 - Comprehensive Irrigation District Management Plan
This program provides a framework and guidelines for irrigation districts and farmers to voluntarily develop comprehensive management plans that simultaneously comply with the federal Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act and maintain economic viability.
Finalist - Missouri - 2003 - Grow Native!
This program is designed to increase demand for Missouri-grown native vegetation and promote naturally resilient plants to increase biological diversity on public and private lands. Through a combination of education, demonstration and marketing techniques, the program boosts consumer and commercial demand for these plants and helps consumers find quality native plant materials and capable native landscape professionals.
Finalist - Texas - 2003 - Office of Rural Community Affairs
Designed to serve as a focal agency for the state’s health, economic development, community development and leadership development programs, this office targets rural communities. The agency has positioned itself as the door to Texas government for rural citizens, acting as a research and policy resource for rural issues.
Finalist - Utah - 2003 - Strategy to Address Water Pollution from Animal Feeding Operations
This program is a partnership between the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and the state’s agricultural community. Its goal is to reduce the amount of polluted surface and groundwater areas that endanger human health by issuing federal water quality permits to concentrated animal feeding operations.
Finalist - Washington - 2003 - Burn Team: Reducing Smoke in Eastern Washington State from Agricultural Burning
This Department of Ecology program seeks to reduce the amount of field crop residue that directly impacts the safety and health of citizens breathing in the smoke-filled air. The burn team makes daily burn/no burn decisions for agricultural burning permit holders and provides air quality reports and forecasts to citizens with respiratory illnesses.

 

 

 

 

Agriculture & rural: publications
2006
  1. “Reality Check in Rural America,” State News, August 2006.
  2. “Rural Centers Work for Rural Legislators,” State News, August 2006.
  3. "The 2007 Farm Bill in Context," The Southern Legislative Conference, June 2006.
  4. "Farm to School Programs," The Southern Legislative Conference, April 2006.
  5. “Legislators Hopeful that Renewables Can Fuel Rural Revitalization,” Stateline Midwest, March 2006.
  6. “States Lend Marketing Hand, and Name, to Homegrown Products,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2006.
  7. Funding for Rural Development, Southern Legislative Conference, Jan. 2006.
2005
  1. "The New Rural Development Challenge: Revitalizing Rural America," The Book of the States, 2005.
  2. “Minnesota, Wisconsin Step Up State’s Role in Livestock Siting,” Stateline Midwest, Dec. 2005.
  3. “A World of Possibilities for Agri-Business in China,” State News, Nov./Dec. 2005.
  4. Trends in America: Navigating Turbulence to Success, Dec. 2005.
  5. “States Employ New Strategies to Promote Rural Economic Development,” Firstline Midwest, Oct. 2005.
  6. “Roomful of Ideas: Future of Agricultural Policy Focus of Ohio Forum on 2007 Farm Bill,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2005.
  7. “Confidentiality a Concern in National Animal ID System,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2005.
  8. “Trends in America: Charting the Course Ahead,” State News, Aug. 2005.
  9. Accessing Capital for Rural Economic Development, Southern Legislative Conference, Aug. 2005.
  1. The 2007 Farm Bill in Context, Southern Legislative Conference, July 2005.
  2. Rural Centers in the South, Southern Legislative Conference, July 2005.
  3. Trends in America: Charting the Course Ahead, June 2005.
  4. “States Are Crucial Part of Effort to Keep Animal ID Plan on Track,” Stateline Midwest, June 2005.
  5. “The Challenges Facing the Eastern Region and Partners,” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  6. “Forecast for the South: Partly Sunny Skies with a Chance of Rain,” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  7. “Western Growth Trends: Pressure on People and Resources,” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  8. “10 Change Drivers for Agriculture and Rural Communities,” Leaders Lens, Spring 2005.
  9. “Rebuilding Rural Communities,” State News, April 2005.
  10. “States Seek to Close Digital Divide, Expand Broadband Service,” Stateline Midwest, April 2005.
  11. “10 Change Drivers in Rural America,” State News, March 2005.
  12. “On the Horizon: Interstate Compacts,” State News, Feb. 2005.
  13. “Methamphetamine Problem Requires Multifaceted Response from States,” Firstline Midwest, Feb. 2005.
  14. “10 Change Drivers for the Future,” State News, Jan. 2005.
  15. “Protecting Rural America,” State News, Jan. 2005.
  16. “Wisconsin Considers New Proposals to Help its Rural Schools,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2005.
  17. “The Tobacco Buyout,” Southern Legislative Conference, Jan. 2005.
2004
  1. “Trends to Watch in 2005,” State News, Nov./Dec. 2004.
  2. “Proposed Ethanol Mandate Likely to Fuel Debate in Minnesota,” Stateline Midwest, Nov. 2004.
  3. TrendsAlert: Biofuels, Nov. 2004.
  4. “Identifying a Need: Midwestern Legislators Examine the Future of Animal ID in the United States and Canada,” State News, Oct. 2004.
  5. Homeland Security Brief: Protecting Rural America—State Challenges and Solutions, Oct. 2004.
  6. “States Promote International Trade of Agricultural Products,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2004.
  7. “Methamphetamine Across America: Misconceptions, Realities and Solutions,” Spectrum, Fall 2004.
  8. “Solving the Meth Problem: The Wyoming Plan,” Spectrum, Fall 2004.
  9. “Programs Seek to Improve Child Nutrition, Help Local Farmers,” Stateline Midwest, Sept. 2004.
  10. “Trends Forum: A Look Ahead in Alaska,” State News, Sept. 2004.
  11. “MLC Session Examines Need for Entrepreneurs in Rural Midwest,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2004.
  12. “Trends Worth Watching,” State News, June/July 2004.
  13. “Growing Production, Use of Bioproducts Could Help Midwest,” Stateline Midwest, June 2004.
  14. “A Healthy Partnership: Innovative Farm to School Programs Address Childhood Nutrition,” State News, May 2004.
  15. “Immigration’s Impact on States,” State News, May 2004.
  16. A Rural Policy for the 21st Century: Report from the Proceedings of the 2003 Southern Legislative Conference Rural Forum, Southern Legislative Conference, May 2004.
  17. “Farming’s Future,” Stateline Midwest, April 2004.
  18. “Region’s Farms Continue to Increase in Size, Decrease in Numbers,” Stateline Midwest, March 2004.
  19. “The Future of Food: Legislators Discuss the Future of Farming and Rural Development at Second Annual Summit,” State Government News, March 2004.
  20. “Have You Spotted This Trend? Cooperative Extension Service at Risk,” State Government News, March 2004.
  21. TrendsAlert: Drug Abuse in America—Rural Meth, The Council of State Governments, March 2004.
  22. “Meth Invades Rural America,” State Government News, Feb. 2004.
  23. “Recovering From Mad Cow Case, States Consider New Protections,” Stateline Midwest, Feb. 2004.
  24. “Policy Priorities for 2004,” State Government News, Feb. 2004.
  25. “What’s in the Cards for 2004?” State Government News, Jan. 2004.
2003
  1. “Region Aims to Be Home of Innovation in Value-Added Agriculture,” Stateline Midwest, Dec. 2003.
  2. Issue Brief: Region’s Dairy Farmers Seek Equity in Milk Pricing, Eastern Regional Conference, Nov./Dec. 2003.
  3. “States Change With Technology,” State Government News, Nov./Dec. 2003.
  4. “Forum Addresses State Policies,” State Government News, Oct. 2003.
  5. Status of Rural Education in the South: A Survey of Key Indicators, Southern Legislative Conference, Oct. 2003.
  6. “Experts Discuss Ways of Limiting Rural Nonpoint Source Pollution,” Stateline Midwest, Sept. 2003.
  7. “States Face Water Wars,” State Government News, Sept. 2003.
  8. “Will the NCLB Help Rural Schools?” State Government News, June/July 2003.
  9. “Interstate Cooperation,” State Government News, June/July 2003.
  10. TrendsAlert: Water Wars, July 2003.
  11. “Hard Times Generate New Ideas,” State Government News, May 2003.
  12. “Concerned With Livestock Industry, States Scrutinize Zoning Laws,” Stateline Midwest, May 2003.
  13. “Federalism: Finding the Balance,” State Government News, April 2003.
  14. “Agroterrorism: Are States Prepared?” State Government News, March 2003.
  15. “Water Wars,” State Government News, March 2003.
  16. “Finding Consensus on School Consolidation is Not an Easy Task,” Stateline Midwest, March 2003.
  17. “Proposals Seek to Sweeten Incentives for Ethanol Production,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2003.
2002
  1. Signs of the Times: Midwestern Demographic Trends and Their Implications for Public Policy, The Council of State Governments Midwest, 2002.
  2. Agricultural Terrorism in the Midwest: Risks, Threats and State Responses, The Council of State Governments Midwest, Dec. 2002.
  3. “Midwestern Legislative Conference Report Examines Progress, Gaps in Agroterror Preparedness,” Stateline Midwest, Dec. 2002.
  4. “The Fight Against Meth: States Work Together to Combat Midwest’s Rising Drug Problem,” Stateline Midwest, Dec. 2002.
  5. “To Trade or Not to Trade? States Take the Lead on Trade With Cuba,” State Government News, Nov./Dec. 2002.
  6. “Surmounting the Challenges: Rural Health Policy—Stretching Resources in Tough Times,” State Government News, Oct. 2002.
  7. “The Trendy Side of Demographics,” State Government News, Oct. 2002.
  8. Finally, the Farm Bill, Southern Legislative Conference, Sept. 2002.
  9. “Where’s the Pork? Expert Tells Midwestern Legislative Conference that Perceptions of New Farm Bill Don’t Match Reality,” Stateline Midwest, Sept. 2002.
  10. “The 2002 Farm Bill,” State Government News, Aug. 2002.
  11. “Midwestern Governors’ Conference Delegation Begins Dialogue with EU on Biotechnology,” Stateline Midwest, July 2002.
  12. “South Dakota Vote Illustrates Concern About Corporate Farming,” Stateline Midwest, July 2002.
  13. “Concerns About Deer Disease Spread Across the Region,” Stateline Midwest, June 2002.
  14. “Smart Growth,” State Government News, May 2002.
  15. “Have You Spotted These Trends?” State Government News, April 2002.
  16. “Banned in the USA,” State Government News, April 2002.
  17. “Delicate Balancing Act: Legislators Try to Find Compromise Between Environmental, Ag Concerns,” Stateline Midwest, April 2002.
  18. “Midwestern States Have Significant Stake in Future of Agricultural Biotechnology,” Firstline Midwest, March 2002.
  19. Tobacco in Transition, Southern Legislative Conference, Feb. 2002.
  20. “Bioterrorism: A Threat Without Borders,” State Government News, Feb. 2002.
2001
  1. “Lawmakers See Devastation Caused by Foot and Mouth Disease,” Stateline Midwest, Dec. 2001.
  2. “States Seek Measures to Protect Farms from Terrorism Threats,” Stateline Midwest, Nov. 2001.
  3. “Have You Spotted These Trends?” State Government News, Oct. 2001.
  4. “Have You Spotted These Trends?” State Government News, Sept. 2001.
  5. “New State Value-Added Programs Crop Up Around Region as a Way to Help Farmers,” Firstline Midwest, Sept. 2001.
  6. “Midwestern Governors’ Conference, Other Groups, Address Priorities for Next Farm Bill,” Stateline Midwest, Sept. 2001.
  7. Policy Objectives and Recommendations on the 2002 Farm Bill, Midwestern Governors’ Conference of The Council of State Governments, Aug. 2001.
  8. “Fueling Optimism: Midwest Hopes to Benefit from More Ethanol Use, Production,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2001.
  9. Contracting in Tobacco, Southern Legislative Conference, July 2001.
  10. “States Shape the Future of Farming,” State Government News, April 2001.
  11. “Scouting Trends in the States,” State Government News, April 2001.
  12. “Measures Seek Tax Relief for Agricultural Property Owners,” Stateline Midwest, March 2001.
  13. “Small, Rural Schools Face Uncertain Future Due to Predictions of Declining Enrollment,” Firstline Midwest, March 2001.
  14. “Legislation Aims to Protect Contract Growers and Producers,” Stateline Midwest, Feb. 2001.
  15. “What’s Big in 2001,” State Government News, Feb. 2001.
  16. 8 for the States: Top Issues for the 2001 Legislative Sessions, The Council of State Governments Midwest, 2001.
2000
  1. “Bridging the Digital Divide,” State Government News, Oct. 2000.
  2. “Guarding the Great Lakes,” State Government News, Oct. 2000.
  3. “Legislators Weigh Costs of Farmland Preservation, Urban Sprawl,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2000.
  4. “Investing in a Digital Economy,” State Government News, Aug. 2000.
  5. “A Season of Discontent: Priorities for 2002 Farm Bill,” State Government News, June/July 2000.
  6. “Biotech Crops Sow Debate,” State Government News, June/July 2000.
  7. “Tennessee Pioneers ADR in Growth Planning,” State Government News, May 2000.
  8. “Bills Cultivate Debate on Merits of Industrial Hemp,” Stateline Midwest, May 2000.
  9. “Universal Service? States Are Working to Bring Rural Areas into the Information Age,” State Government News, April 2000.
  10. “Taking the Bull by the Horns,” State Government News, April 2000.
  11. “States, the WTO and Seattle,” State Government News, March 2000.
  12. “Legislators Join Forces to Impact Federal Farm Policy,” Stateline Midwest, Feb. 2000.
  13. “Agenda 2000,” State Government News, Jan. 2000.
  14. “Biotechnology: Curse or Cure?” State Government News, Jan. 2000.
  15. “States Consider Ways to Consolidate Struggling School Districts,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2000.

 

 

 

Agriculture & rural: policy positions & resolutions
2007
  1. Dairy Price Reporting
  2. Interstate Sale of Inspected Meat
  3. Fresh Local Milk
  4. Rural Development
  5. Summer Food Service
2005
  1. In Support of Legislation to Promote the Use and Production of Biofuels
2004
  1. Animal Guardianship and Liability Legislation
2003
  1. Federal Job Training for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers
  2. Rural Development
  3. Standardize Regulations Pertaining to the Importation of Food Grade Dairy Products
  4. Support of Farm to School Programs