RURAL POVERTY WAS DEEPENED RATHER THAN AMELIORATED BY A REVOLUTION IN SOUTHERN AGRICULTURE. THERE WERE 3.4 MILLION SOUTHERN FARMERS IN 1935, THIS NUMBER DECREASED TO LESS THAN 1.6 MILLION IN 1962. AVERAGE YEARLY EARNINGS WERE LESS THAN $2,500. THE RURAL AREAS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HAS TRIED TO ATTRACT INDUSTRY TO COUNTY OR MULTI-COUNTY AREAS IN WHICH SURPLUS AGRICULTURAL LABOR COULD BE EMPLOYED. SUCH AGENCIES AS THE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE, THE EXTENSION SERVICE, AND THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE HAVE COOPERATED WITH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES. THE AREA REDEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION HAS CARRIED OUT THE DEPRESSED AREAS PROGRAM, AREAS WERE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND, IF RURAL, ACCORDING TO FAMILY INCOME. LOANS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PROJECTS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT THE ECONOMY, AND FOR PUBLIC WORKS. A BETTER LIFE FOR FARM FAMILIES SHOULD INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AREAS OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, EDUCATION, ORGANIZATION, AND CIVIL RIGHTS.