Linking research and outreach in support of rural vitality

Established by the Rural Development Act of 1972, the nation’s four Regional Rural Development Centers work in partnership with the Land-Grant University system to address crucial needs in our nation’s rural communities. The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) at Penn State serves the 12-state region from Maine to West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Our Work

Economic Development, Resilience, and Innovation

NERCRD is pursuing several lines of inquiry related to economic resilience and innovation, with a current emphasis on identifying pathways for rural recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Recognizing that tourism, including agritourism, is an important economic development strategy for rural communities, NERCRD’s research and outreach in this area are aimed at helping communities identify and leverage their tourism and outdoor recreation assets.

Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Agriculture

NERCRD’s work in this area helps communities understand the impacts of local and regional food systems and how to best capitalize on their potential benefits.

Capacity Building and Facilitation

NERCRD serves as a regional hub for our Land-Grant University (LGU) partners, linking research and Extension faculty across state lines. By facilitating collaborative networks and partnerships, we enhance the capacity of the LGU system, so that its people can work more effectively to foster regional prosperity and rural development.

Recent News

Happy Holidays from NERCRD

December 18, 2024

As 2024 winds down, we at the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development are reflecting — with gratitude — on the people and partnerships that make our work possible. Whether you are a long-time collaborator or are just getting to know us, thank you for connecting with NERCRD! The NERCRD will be closed for a holiday break from December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025. We wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

Workshop expanded regional Extension capacity

December 9, 2024

Through a partnership facilitated by the Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) Association, the Center recently collaborated with Dr. Justine Lindemann (Assistant Professor) and Cristy Schmidt (Senior Research Associate) from Penn State University to design and deliver the Northeast Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Workshop, which was hosted by University of Delaware Extension in Newark, Delaware, from November 11-14, 2024.

Congratulations to Claudia Schmidt, recipient of Northeast “Excellence in Extension” award!

November 19, 2024

Claudia Schmidt, assistant professor of marketing and local/regional food systems in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and NERCRD Faculty Affiliate, received this year’s Northeast Region Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual, presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Cooperative Extension System’s Extension Committee on Organization and […]

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