Nearly three-quarters (72%) of land in the United States is defined as “rural,” and it is home to 46 million people. As part of the effort to ensure a robust, sustainable rural community, the U.S. Department of Agriculture chairs a task force of 22 agencies and local leaders whose goal is to coordinate a response to ensure a revitalized rural America.
At the end of June, the USDA hosted a Community Prosperity Summit in Atlanta, Georgia – one of three conferences held across the country – for community leaders, non-profits, private sectors organizations, and universities. Sam Whitehurst, Dixon Center’s Vice President of Programs and Services, was invited to participate in order to enhance the two-year-old movement by the USDA to support veterans interested in opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
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Dixon Center Vice President Sam Whitehurst with the USDA’s Military and Veterans Agriculture Liaison, Bill Ashton, at the USDA’s Community Prosperity Summit in Atlanta, GA
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The challenges of rural communities intersect with many of the challenges veterans and their families that face--workforce development, access to wellness and education, and affordable housing.
Veterans will play a critical role in the resurgence of rural communities--their leadership and sense of service is why they have an important part to play in addressing these challenges.
We are honored to be at the table with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA’s Military/Veterans Liaison Bill Ashton, and the Famers Veteran Coalition, all of whom are leading the way on this important part of the American economy.
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