Clean energy production and improving agriculture through education were several solutions Rhode Island residents said could help improve job growth in the state during a jobs forum held last month.
“Because of the unemployment rate in Rhode Island, this was an very timely meeting that sought answers to very difficult questions,” said Paul Brule, state executive director for the Farm Service Agency.
Nearly 38 people participated in the forum, sponsored by Rural Development’s Southern New England jurisdiction and the Rhode Island Farm Service Agency. Attendees suggested that clean energy production like wind, solar and biofuels, along with direct marketing and aquaculture expansion would help spur growth in the area and put people back to work.
Since the beginning of the recession, Rhode Island’s manufacturing, construction and dairy industry has been hit the hardest.
The forum was one of several being held across the United States as part of the Obama administration’s effort to stimulate jobs and rebuild rural America.
—by Rhode Island Farm Service Agency
