June 2025 Farm Foundation Forum Reviving Rural: Agriculture as the Heartbeat of Healthy Communities

Rural Minds Founder and Chairman Jeff Winton recently spoke on a webinar hosted by Farm Foundation, titled Farm Foundation Forum: Reviving Rural — Agriculture as the Heartbeat of Healthy Communities In partnership with American Farmland Trust.

Program Description

Rural communities are the backbone of our nation, but too many are struggling as economic pressures, population shifts, and declining health outcomes take a toll. At the center of these challenges lies a powerful opportunity: agriculture.

Agriculture can be an engine for revitalizing rural communities if it’s leveraged strategically. Efforts have shown that combining agricultural diversification, rural healthcare investment, infrastructure upgrades, and support for small businesses can draw new residents back to our rural communities.

This Forum examined:

– The link between agricultural vitality and rural health outcomes

– Strategies to retain land, labor, and livelihoods in rural areas

– Innovative models that blend food, health, and economic development

– Policy and investment opportunities to spark long-term renewal.

Panelists

Julia Freedgood, Senior Fellow and Senior Program Advisor, American Farmland Trust

Xochitl Torres Small, Former Deputy Secretary, USDA

Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association

Jeff Winton, Founder and Chairman, Rural Minds