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

WVU Extension leads efforts to enhance sustainability of tourism in rural communities

July 8, 2026

This article by Hannah Booth (West Virginia University Division for Land-Grant Engagement) highlights the Tourism, Resiliency and Indicators for Post-Pandemic Planning (TRIP) project and a recently published study by the TRIP project team. NERCRD Director Stephan Goetz, Associate Director Stephen Alessi, and Faculty Affiliate Luyi Han are members of the project team. The TRIP project is led by WVU’s Doug Arbogast, who is also a member of the NERCRD Technical Advisory Committee.

Northeast Housing Summit Call for Presentation Proposals

June 4, 2026

NOTE: Deadline extended through July 10, 2026! The NERCRD and Land-Grant partners are pleased to announce a call for proposals for presentations on the topic of housing for inclusion in the upcoming Northeast Region Housing Summit, which will take place virtually on September 15 or 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET.

Welcoming Dr. Daniel Centuriao to NERCRD!

June 3, 2026

The NERCRD team is pleased to welcome Dr. Daniel Centuriao, who joined the Center as a postdoctoral scholar after receiving his doctoral degree in economics from West Virginia University in May. Daniel Daniel will contribute his expertise to several NERCRD research efforts, including agricultural policy, local conditions and farm survival, determinants of local development, innovation and resilience, and the connections among agricultural production, nutrition, and population health.

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