Who keeps rural America working? | Peter Ozazem​

In this episode of Smoke & Mirrors, Jennifer Ifft sits down with Peter Orazem to explore the rural labor landscape and the policies shaping local economies.​ Together, they discuss rural labor shortages, why some rural communities thrive while others struggle, how mobility and public services influence opportunity, and the state and federal policies that can help rural America grow.​ This conversation serves as the starting point for Smoke & Mirrors' ongoing series on #AgLaborPolicy. It provides important context for understanding the labor policy issues that shape agriculture and rural communities. In future episodes, we'll take a closer look at the policies, workforce challenges, and programs affecting agriculture and the food system.