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.

Atiles named West Virginia University’s dean of Extension and engagement

May 28, 2020

Jorge Atiles has been selected as the next leader of the statewide West Virginia University Extension Service, effective June 29. Atiles will also hold a faculty appointment in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

Congratulations to regional NACDEP 2020 award winners

May 28, 2020

At this year’s virtual NACDEP conference, several regional partners were recognized with awards. Members of the Farm Fresh Food Boxes team, the University of New Hampshire Nature Economy team, and the LEAD New York program were among this year’s award recipients.

NERCRD 2019 Annual Report released

March 16, 2020

In 2019, the Northeast Center continued its work of facilitating strong, collaborative networks across the land-grant system, across federal agencies, and across the nation. Together with our collaborators, we achieved a number of research and outreach milestones. Read all about it in our 2019 Annual Report!

NERCRD invests in four new multi-state collaborations through its 2019-2020 small grants program

March 16, 2020

Four projects have been selected to receive funding through the Center’s 2019-2020 small grants program, based on input from an independent review panel. The four project teams comprise 35 individuals from nine states, who will address community and economic development issues including the recreation economy, entrepreneurship education, Main Street revitalization, and attracting new residents. Congratulations to the funded teams!

Newly published NERCRD research examines rural innovation, expansion of hop production, and community influence on longevity

March 14, 2020

Three recently published studies explore how often-overlooked innovation is taking place in areas not thought of as innovative; how the craft-beer boom is giving way to an unprecedented expansion of hop production; and, how community factors might influence longevity. The papers were published in Research Policy, Journal of Wine Economics, and Social Science and Medicine and were authored by researchers from NERCRD, the Korea Rural Economic Institute, West Virginia University, Michigan State University, and The University of Toledo.

Amplifying the Rural Voice: Choices Magazine looks at 2020 Census challenges and opportunities

March 13, 2020

A collection of articles recently published in Choices Magazine explores the theme of “Amplifying the Rural Voice: 2020 Census Challenges and Opportunities.” Dr. Steve Turner, Director of the Southern Rural Development Center, served as the collection’s guest editor. The articles (including one co-authored by NERCRD and UNH faculty) explore factors associated with lower Census counts; anticipated participation across the rural–urban continuum; strategies for improving participation; and, the importance of the Census to Cooperative Extension programs and services across the U.S. Choices is an outreach publication of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, and is freely available online.

USDA releases vision for scientific initiatives through 2025

March 13, 2020

In February, the USDA released its Science Blueprint, which “provides a foundation for focused leadership and direction in advancing USDA’s scientific mission through 2025. It lays out five overarching themes for research, education, and economics, each with established objectives, strategies, and evidence-building measures.”

Rural Community Action Guide released to help guide local responses to addiction crisis

March 13, 2020

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has released a Rural Community Action Guide to help equip rural leaders with information and wisdom gleaned from the front lines of addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery in rural America. The guide is intended to help local leaders design effective strategies for deployment in their own communities. (Links to PDF.)

“Farm and Farm Family Risk and Resilience Toolkit” released to support Extension programming

March 13, 2020

A new toolkit developed by Bonnie Braun (University of Maryland Extension) and Maria Pippidis (University of Delaware Extension) provides several tools educators can use to apply the socio-ecological model to risk management and resilience educational programming for farm audiences. The toolkit includes a guidebook, logic models, and communication and programming tools.

Community factors influence how long you’ll live, study shows

March 13, 2020

While lifestyle choices and genetics go a long way toward predicting longevity, a new study shows that certain community characteristics also play important roles. American communities with more fast food restaurants, a larger share of extraction industry-based jobs, or higher population density have shorter life expectancies, according to researchers from Penn State, West Virginia, and Michigan State Universities. Their findings can help communities identify and implement changes that may promote longer lifespans among their residents.