The key role of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to help local people make rural America a better place to live and work. The Rural Development (RD) Committee structure, conceived in 1969, consists of national, state, regional, and local committees which aid the USDA. During fiscal year 1974, USDA and the State Extension Services continued to expand their rural development information and technical assistance, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Significant accomplishments were made in each of 10 concentrated program thrusts--organization and leadership development; comprehensive planning; community services and facilities; housing; health and welfare; manpower development; recreation and tourism; environmental improvement; business and industrial development; and rural cooperatives. This 1974 annual report presents the Department's efforts to enhance social, economic, and cultural progress in rural America. A consolidation and summary of information submitted by USDA agencies and State RD Committees, the report covers the membership, organization, and activities of State RD Committees; land-grant university information and technical assistance; and program thrusts in the 10 areas. Appendices include listings of State-USDA RD Committee Chairmen; national RD Committee members; Statewide non-USDA RD groups; State references; and abbreviations. (NQ)