AUBURN, Calif., July 7, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today released a comprehensive analysis of USDA rural development programs compiled by USDA economists. This is the third in a series of subject areas that warranted a thorough examination based on comments received from thousands of producers during last year's Farm Bill Forums.

"Given the degree of interest and near universal praise for our rural development programs, we determined this mission area deserved a thorough examination," Johanns said. "Clearly, rural development programs are popular and deliver real results. As rural America continues to change, we must be sure that our programs also adapt to emerging needs."

In March 2006 Johanns announced the release of 41 papers summarizing the 4,000 comments received during 52 USDA Farm Bill Forums and via the Internet. Within those 41 papers emerged key themes USDA economists are studying in depth in preparation for the 2007 farm bill. Theme papers already released focus on risk management and the second on conservation and the environment.

The paper released today describes the current state of rural development, discusses and evaluates current key rural development programs available to communities and individuals and concludes with a discussion of general policy alternatives. These alternatives do not represent specific farm bill proposals but instead are put forward to further public discussion.

The Rural Development paper and previously released analysis papers are available at: www.usda.gov/farmbill. Transcripts of the Farm Bill Forums and the 41 Farm Bill comment summary papers are also posted there.