U.S. Ag Secretary Ed Schafer knows a thing or two about rural development.

He led our state for eight years and has been a business owner for many years.

Schafer says he's using that experience now in Washington making decisions that affect rural development for the entire U.S. The former governor spoke at the North Dakota Commerce Department's Economic Development Conference in Bismarck today.

Schafer highlighted ways our rural economy can grow.

He says the U.S. is expected to have it's best year in ag-related exports at 109-billion dollars.

But Schafer says it's still important to improve trade agreements and make sure US products are not de-valued by tariffs in other countries.

He says tariffs affect North Dakota because our state exports fifty percent of its ag products...

(Ed Schafer / U.S. Ag Secretary) "Ag products coming in from Columbia come in with no tariff, no duty, on the other hand our ag products we ship to columbia carry tariffs from 10,20 up to 70 percent."

Schafer also talked about what USDA is doing to improve quality of life in rural areas.

For example, Schafer says USDA is revamping it's loan assistance programs to make it easier to help expand access to the internet in rural areas. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list