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AR Rural Enterprise Center Cooperative Development Program - n/a Enterprise & Agriculture United States 2007 - 2008 USDA |
Improving the Economic Condition of Rural Areas
RATIONALEIn keeping with the direction of the Winrock Advisory Council and the primary objective of the RCDG program, to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development, AREC will focus on two initiatives for the 2007-2008 program year.
Initiative 1: Assistance to immigrant poultry producers. Assist immigrant poultry producers by organizing a purchasing cooperative, helping them purchase necessary seed and equipment to produce and market alternative crops; therefore, improving their economic well-being while adding and preserving jobs.
Initiative #2: Cooperative Development Services and National Coordination. Utilize the cooperative business model to create and preserve jobs while increasing income in rural areas.
OBJECTIVES
AREC's 2007-2008 program objectives are to continue offering quality cooperative development services and, specific to this year, a special initiative to assist immigrant poultry producers in forming a purchasing cooperative, and transitioning into growing and marketing specialty crops. AREC will respond to a high volume of requests for assistance received from individuals around the state, particularly farmers interested in the exploding biofuels industry.
ACTIVITIES
AREC's 2007-2008 program objectives are to continue offering quality cooperative development services and, specific to this year, a special initiative to assist immigrant poultry producers in forming a purchasing cooperative, and transitioning into growing and marketing specialty crops. AREC will respond to a high volume of requests for assistance received from individuals around the state, particularly farmers interested in the exploding biofuels industry.