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Strategies to Revitalize Rural America Create a new research and administrative position with the responsibility of analyzing alternative directions for future research, identifying new research with potential to increase family farm op- portunities, and working with land grant ag researchers to plan their future research so it strengthens family farms and ranches. Land grant universities also have critical roles to play in small business and community development. They have broad expertise and the capacity to deliver it to rural people through their extension services. Provide training and technical assistance to support small business formation Land grant universities can offer small business management courses and technical assistance in business planning. They can offer courses in E- commerce to help family farms and small businesses develop strate- gies to use the Internet to reach new distant customers. They can provide technical assistance in transferring small businesses from retiring owners to new entrepre- neurs, including developing innovative transfer models and contracts that work for both parties. Extension programs could help link retiring business owners with prospective entrepreneurs interested in taking over. Support rural development initiatives and enhance the effectiveness of rural leaders Land grant colleges can provide community -based educational programs on alternative development strate- gies, assist communities in analyzing development options, and link communities to development resources. They can provide technical assistance in community planning that engages the public and develops broad buy -in. They can deliver leadership development programs in rural communities to help rural leaders hone their skills. Provide rural people access to lifelong learning through distance education If rural small businesses and family farms and ranches are to compete with large corporate enterprise, they must have access to educational opportunities. If rural communities are to thrive, rural citizens and leaders must have opportunities to build their knowledge and skills in community development and governance. The Internet makes it possible to deliver college courses directly to the homes of rural people. But it is ex- pensive and time consuming to develop distance education courses. By making distance education a priority, identifying the educational needs of rural people and making those courses available, land grant universities can help build a future for rural people and communities. Keep higher education affordable and accessible A well educated citizenry and work force is a critical development asset to any community. That is no less true in rural communities, where a higher proportion of people are expected to be leaders — in their own busi- Page 12