We already know that rural areas are tremendously important for the prosperity and wellbeing of all citizens, whether they be city or country folks. Now the International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is saying so too. In a recent report, it says that rural areas will be key contributors to future sustainable growth – with innovations in food production, and new energy sources, to meet the challenges of climate change. But with the loss of manufacturing jobs, many rural communities have felt left behind.