NERCRD agritourism research brief featured in Mainebiz story

A feature story written by Renee Cordes and published in MaineBiz includes research on agritourism that was published by NERCRD. The story, which also features a quote by one of the research authors, Jason Entsminger (University of Maine), provides insights into the latest data on Maine agritourism farms, and interviews the managers of several different Maine-based agricultural operations that have incorporated agritourism activities into their business models.

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.

RRDCs aggregating resources for communities responding to Coronavirus

March 24, 2020

The Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs) have set up a website to aggregate research and Extension resources related to COVID-19. (Links directly to the RRDC site.)

NERCRD’s COVID-19 Update

March 20, 2020

During this challenging time, we are thinking of our partners, colleagues, collaborators—all of you—wishing you safety and comfort. As we all adjust to new ways of living and working, we want to continue to support the important work you. As our collective community responds to the COVID-19 crisis, we no doubt will have resources and information to share in the coming weeks. Please feel free to reach out to us if we can be a resource to you during this time.
Our team is working remotely, and will do our best to respond in a timely manner.

CDC update for rural partners, stakeholders, and communities on the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response

March 17, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is hosting a webinar on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time to share guidance with partners, public health practitioners, healthcare providers, and others working to protect the health of rural communities.

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.”