AFRI – FAS Rural Economic Development (A1661)

Program Area Priority: This program area priority supports rigorous theoretical and empirical efforts to create and examine innovative approaches for advancing economic opportunities for rural entrepreneurs and communities, with an aim to promote rural prosperity and well-being. The intent of the program area priority is to improve the understanding of the factors and conditions that enhance economic opportunities for food, agricultural and rural businesses through tools and methods from the various social sciences, (i.e., sociology, demography, economics, geography, etc.). Studies that focus on women, and ethnic and/or racial minority groups are of interest.

Projects can be either integrated (to include extension and/or education, along with research) or research only. Projects may evaluate the institutional, social, or economic factors affecting decision making and policy development to enhance the economic growth and well-being of rural communities.

This program area priority focuses mainly on entrepreneurs, small businesses, and other locallevel employers and services who are important sources of employment, and/or on other issues “beyond the farm gate.”