Toward Farm Security: The Problem of Rural Poverty and the Work of the Farm Security Administration

Excerpts from the Foreword: This volume was planned and prepared for the new Farm Security employee, and more particularly the new Farm Security Administration County Supervisor. Personnel older in service, and the district, State, regional, and Washington staffs of the Farm Security Administration, may also find it useful in many ways. But the book was designed primarily to orient the new County Supervisor to his or her job, and is intended as a general introduction to the theory and practice of Farm Security. As the title implies, this book discusses the problems of rural poverty, and the methods used by this agency which may lead from precariousness toward security on the farm. The treatment is neither comprehensive nor detailed. It is only a general guide to the more important aspects of Farm Security, and not a shortcut in training to carry out the complicated task of this program. In addition to a general description of the causes and effects of rural poverty, the inception of the Farm Security Administration, and the administrative and technical organization of this agency, the book contains practical advice to county supervisors which they may use to advantage. Though the new employee will still have to learn, through training and experience, the efficient use of forms and documents and effective cooperation with other agencies, the objectives and methods discussed here should supply a basic guide in situations requiring independent judgment. Appended at the end of the book the reader will find: A glossary of terms constantly used in Farm Security work, keyed to Farm Security Administration Instructions where the formal definitions are to be found; an explanation of crucial legal terms used in connection with Farm Security Administration loans and collections; and a topical bibliography.