Tuesday, Jan 22 2013 4:30PM

A new report shows that investments into rural locations may have nationwide economic benefits.

Joint discussions between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in early January centered on the need for greater investments in and funding for rural communities across the U.S.

The two agencies focused on a findings of a new report, "Promoting Growth in All Regions," which found that investing heavily in rural regions would spark national economic growth and further rural community development trends. This is primarily because rural regions are often the center of agricultural and farming communities and hold significant natural and energy resources. Therefore, the two groups promoted more funding to build and develop infrastructure, train workers to fuel job growth and build communication networks among government agencies and rural organizations. 

The USDA noted that many communities in areas such as Oregon have already been targeted for their renewable energy opportunities, and received investments from the USDA Rural Development to develop these sources. The investments directly led to job growth and stronger rural economies. 

Many non-governmental agencies have also invested in some rural locations, such as Alaska, to help them develop their renewable energy sources. For example, Boston-based Altaeros Energies is testing out its new airborne windmills in Alaska to determine if the invention will help reduce rural Alaskans' energy bills.

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture