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OFB president wants USDA to focus on rural AmericaOklahoma A form of reverse osmosis is occurring in rural America today where agriculture producers are becoming more dependent on the health of the overall rural economy. During a U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development listening session in El Reno, Sept. 16, Mike Spradling, Sand Springs farmer and Oklahoma Farm Bureau president, told USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack he is concerned about this trend. "American agriculture is a key component of rural communities, yet agriculture as an industry is becoming more reliant on the greater rural economy than rural communities are dependent on farmers," Spradling said. "Averaged across all farms, 89 percent of farm income now comes from off-farm sources." Spradling encouraged Secretary Vilsack to take steps to improve rural America. The OFB leader listed five specific areas the USDA should focus on: --Strengthen education by re-authorizing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. --Boost economic development with competitive tax and regulatory incentives. --Enhance rural infrastructure with better roads, bridges and rail systems. --Better broadband Internet accessibility must be extended to rural areas. --Improved and more affordable health care for rural residents.
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