(Indianapolis, IN) - More resources are being invested to try and reverse population decline in rural areas of Indiana.
Indiana Farm Bureau has added a staff member to help keep better track of the issues hurting rural population growth so attempts can be made to address them.
The action was taken in response to U.S. Census data revealing that 52% of counties in the state lost population, including most of Indiana’s mid-sized and rural counties.
“We know our members come from all areas of the state, but the majority come from rural areas. So, we’re trying to make sure that the resources and businesses located in those rural areas don’t suffer because of loss of population,” said Andy Tauer, executive director of public policy at INFB.
INFB hired Colette Childress, previously from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, as a local government policy advisor.
Since then, Childress has been able to visit 32 counties in her role to help INFB members engage more in their communities and work with local governments to improve the quality of life in those areas, INFB officials said.
“Keeping rural communities viable has always been an INFB priority. We’re just being more intentional and putting more resources toward that effort now,” said Randy Kron, president of INFB.
“We want to make sure our farmers are able to pass down their farms to the next generation. But that generation won’t be here if we don’t put in the effort at the local level now.”