In all corners of rural America, we’re seeing the emergence of a more vibrant and diverse rural economy. Rural populations have stabilized and the rural unemployment rate has dropped below 6 percent for the first time since 2007. From 2012-2014, we saw rural child poverty fall by 3 percentage points. And two million fewer people now live in a state of food insecurity compared with its peak in 2011.

We know that when rural communities do well, America does well. And after years of stagnation following the harsh economic climate that took hold during the Great Recession, rural America is on the road to recovery and growth.

So how did we get here?

For nearly eight years, USDA has vigorously invested in the rural way of life, working together with federal, state and local partners to help more families make possible the dream of finding a safe and affordable home; to build schools, libraries, hospitals and public spaces; to facilitate the 21st century basic infrastructure of broadband; and to jumpstart the rural economy by infusing communities with the tools they need to innovate, thrive, stay competitive and draw in a more talented rural labor force for a wider array of businesses.

We’ve also driven policy and investment around building a sustainable economic future for our nation’s rural communities, outlining four key pillars that contribute to a modern rural American economy and rallying our partners to help draw investment from the private and foundational sectors to build these new markets and new opportunities from the bottom up.

Time and time again, we’ve proven that an investment in rural America is a good bet. We understand that the success of our rural strategy requires bringing everyone along—and that is the center of USDA’s partner-focused approach. And because of the hard work of everyday Americans and steadfast support from USDA and the entire Obama Administration, our rural communities are leading the way in our economy’s transition into the 21st century.

Join us throughout the month of September as we tell the important story of eight years of significant and transformative investments across the nation that have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, as well as the small towns and rural communities that so many call home. Follow along on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults, or catch up on Chapter IX on our Medium site.

Throughout the month you can join us as we tell the important story of how eight years of significant and transformative investments across the nation have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, as well as the small towns and rural communities that so many call home.