Agriculture and the rural economic bases in mining, fisheries, forestry, and natural resource extraction are experiencing major social and economic changes. The farm and rural crises of the 1980s are not short-term aberrations, but symptoms of long-term trends that were partially hidden by the relatively good times for agriculture and rural areas in the 1970s. The social and economic bases of rural America are at risk of permanent alteration or loss. Decisions are being made everyday that affect the viability of rural America as a place to work and live. These decisions are being made without adequate knowledge of the social and economic processes affecting agriculture and rural communities. A better understanding of these processes is necessary to maintain and improve life in rural America, to increase income, and to secure jobs for the future. Acquiring the necessary knowledge calls for a major research initiative on the complex relationships between agriculture, the rural economy, rural families, and rural communities. The Task Force on Agriculture and Community Viability has designed a research program to provide rural residents and private and public leaders with the information needed to develop public policies for viable systems of agriculture and support for rural Americans. This guide outlines the issues and related questions and research agenda of the program. Also included are the interagency connections for research support, research resources, and implementation procedures. This document contains 43 references. (ALL)