(Hassebrook, 1999). Instead there will be smaller, "hobby farms" and gigantic multi-

 national agricultural corporations.

 Rural communities that are supported by agriculture were once the foundation of

 the United States and still make up large parts of the country, though rural communities

 are diminishing due to urbanization and the decrease of agricultural industries that

 provide the community base. McCaslin (1993) states, "one of the overriding concerns of

 those individuals working towards the stabilization and future growth of rural

 communities is the lack of active participation by many of its citizens" (p. 46). The

 process of stabilization and revitalization in agriculture begins with effective and active

 leadership and participation. As Farm Bureaus can be found in most rural communities

 in the country and in Florida, this leadership can be found in the membership of local

 county Farm Bureaus.

 The problem leading to this research was: To keep a strong voice and presence at

 the local, state, and national level, agriculture needs qualified leaders who are willing and

 able to work on behalf of agriculture, rural communities and their livelihoods as

 agriculture in the United States and the state of Florida is rapidly changing. From this

 problem the following question arose: Why isn't Farm Bureau more involved in

 "growing" and retaining leaders for grassroots leadership in local county Farm Bureaus.

 Three reasons were hypothesized: 1) there is a lack of infusion of young member

 involvement, 2) the attitude/will/desire among Farm Bureau members in taking

 leadership roles in their local Farm Bureau organizations is unknown, and 3) expectations

of leaders is unknown.