Demographic Shifts and Economic Opportunities for the Rural Workforce

Mark C. White

Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, 2025, vol. 40, issue 3

Abstract: Rural leaders must actively understand the demographic and economic forces that shape their local economy and workforce. By recognizing these shifting conditions, communities can better respond to economic opportunities and threats and position themselves for future success. Many factors contribute to rural prosperity, but the competitiveness of the local is particularly important. A skilled workforce enhances local business productivity, attracts and fosters new enterprises, and supports higher wages for workers. This article focuses on two broad sets of issues that shape the rural workforce. First, it examines several demographic and health conditions that influence worker availability in rural regions. Second, it highlights the employment opportunities available to rural workers and how these opportunities have changed over time. Finally, it outlines several broad steps that rural communities can take to grow and strengthen their local workforce.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Community/Rural/Urban Development; Labor and Human Capital (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:aaeach:358880

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.358880

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