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Agriculture is not dead, group says – Partnership focuses on rural Idaho’s future

November 24, 2005 /

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Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

Idaho’s leaders need to recognize that agriculture and timber aren’t dying parts of the state’s economy, but a growing $10.4 billion segment that offers the best hope for progress in the rural areas of the state.

That’s the essence of a resolution announced Wednesday by the board of directors of the Idaho Rural Partnership, a public-private group set up to foster economic growth in the state’s rural areas.

The resolution says agriculture "plays and will continue to play a major role in the economic well-being of the state of Idaho" and directs Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) staff to "work on pro-agriculture policies with the leaders and agencies of the state."

Mike Maharry
The Idaho Statesman

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051124/NEWS02/511240328/1029