ABSTRACT
In rural communities there were indicators of stress—the murder of a banker, the suicide of a farmer, or divorce and family disintegration occurring throughout rural America. In remote rural communities of upstate wherever, we can easily observe a struggling agriculture, and poverty-ridden communities. Yet, tensions and ambiguity exist between the scientific community striving for disciplinary development and advancement and the rural production sector pressing for rapid solution to problems that lessen profitability. The interdependence of agriculture with rural economic, family, and community conditions has long been a research focus of social scientists. The importance of international trade discussed by Tutwiler has increased the stake of rural areas in macroeconomic trade policies. Farmers, citizens, and community leaders, as well as state and local officials, are asking questions about agriculture and rural viability. But in alliance with local and state organizations, business and labor, government and education, we can contribute to the viability of rural people and areas.
