Article on New Hampshire’s “quiet” innovation highlights NERCRD research

In this opinion piece written for the New Hampshire Business Review, Dr. Charlie French (University of New Hampshire Extension) cites NERCRD research on “latent” or hidden innovation, and provides several examples of “quiet innovation” from rural New Hampshire communities that are leading to gains in employment, income, and quality of life. Dr. French leads UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team.

New Report: Craft Beverage Trail Collaborations in Pennsylvania—A Resource for Breweries and Destination Marketing Organizations

June 23, 2021

A new report examines existing beer trails in Pennsylvania and provides insights and considerations for those seeking to establish a craft beverage trail in their locale.

Entsminger selected as Fellow in NAREA Career Advancement and Mentorship Program

May 20, 2021

NERCRD Associate Director and Assistant Research Professor Jason Entsminger has been selected as a Fellow in the 2021-2022 cohort of the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association (NAREA) Career Advancement and Mentorship (CAM) Program.

Remembering George Morse (1943-2021)

April 29, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we share that George Morse, a longtime and highly regarded friend and colleague of NERCRD, died on March 28, 2021 at the age of 77. His wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Morse, survives at their home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

New publication provides guidance on hosting intergenerational events

April 29, 2021

A new publication provides guidance on facilitating Intergenerational Friends Fairs—family-oriented, daylong events designed to engage community residents in a wide range of intergenerational activities, while also providing local groups with a platform for connecting with the public, establishing new partnerships, and garnering increased support for their programs. The guide was written by Matt Kaplan (Penn State) and Lori Pacchioli (State College Friends School) based on their own experience hosting a fair in State College, PA, with support from NERCRD. It is available on the NERCRD website (PDF).

NERCRD 2020 Annual Report now available

April 5, 2021

The year 2020 has been described as the most difficult that many Americans may experience in their lifetimes. Despite challenges and loss, colleagues and stakeholders across the region rose to the occasion, shifting to new modes of work and collaboration. Each of our partners worked tirelessly to lay the groundwork for a strong and more equitable recovery. We are honored to be part of such an inspiring network, and grateful for the many opportunities to work with our regional and national collaborators on projects that supported communities responding to the pandemic.

Announcing a change in NERCRD communications

March 27, 2021

After many years of using a listserv for network communications, NERCRD is shifting its communications to a new platform—Mailchimp. The changes are expected to improve the Center’s ability to share news and announcements with its stakeholders.

New York Muck Onion Growers explore “Goût de Terroir”

March 25, 2021

With support from NERCRD, an intrepid group of onion growers in New York state have launched a strategic business planning project to explore collaborative promotion and marketing.

New study examines importance and unique characteristics of U.S. female farmers

March 1, 2021

While women can be drawn into farming for many reasons, NERCRD researchers have found that female-owned farms in the U.S. are more common in areas that are closer to urban markets, that engage in agritourism activity, and that offer greater access to childcare.

Pennsylvanians are experiencing hunger at highest levels since onset of pandemic

February 18, 2021

At the end of 2020, more than 12% of Pennsylvania households were experiencing hunger — the highest rate since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NERCRD researchers. Their report confirms anecdotal and media reports and highlights the role that community resources, such as food pantries and free school lunches, are playing in the state.

Welcoming Dr. Jason Entsminger to the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development

February 12, 2021

The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development is pleased to announce that Jason S. Entsminger will join the Center in a new assistant research professor position, effective February 15, 2021. In this role, Dr. Entsminger will lead the Center’s outreach-oriented activities primarily by fostering and strengthening the Center’s relationships with Northeast land grant universities and rural development partners, and by identifying and responding to opportunities for cross-state collaborations and sharing of programs. He also will contribute to the Center’s research program.