WASHINGTON, July 6, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Roy Smith as the Arkansas State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"Roy Smith is a lifelong advocate for rural communities and a great addition to President Bush's leadership team," said Johanns. "With more than 30 years experience with USDA Rural Development and as a farmer himself, he understands the challenges and opportunities facing rural America today."

Smith, a native of Harrison, Ark., joined the Farmers Home Administration, a predecessor agency of today's USDA Rural Development, in 1969. He retired from USDA Rural Development in 2002 and now owns and operates a 100-acre beef cattle farm. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Education and is active in county, state, and national farming organizations.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $54 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. As a result, over 1 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.