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.

NERCRD 2021 Annual Meeting sets stage for 2022 plan of work

December 7, 2021

Members of the Northeast Center’s Board of Directors (BOD) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met virtually in early November to review the Center’s progress towards its goals and adopt the 2022 plan of work. In the upcoming year, NERCRD priority issues are: labor and workforce development; economic development, resilience, and innovation; tourism; food systems and agriculture; and general capacity building. To support these issues NERCRD will also prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion; climate change; and rural-urban interactions as cross-cutting areas.

NERCRD selected to lead two projects under New Technologies for Agricultural Extension program

December 7, 2021

NERCRD was selected recently to lead two projects under the New Technologies for Agricultural Extension (NTAE) program. The NTAE program is made possible by funding from USDA NIFA through a partnership with Oklahoma State University and the Extension Foundation. In addition to funding, selected projects receive engagement and technical support from the Extension Foundation.

Food pantries essential for reducing hunger among middle-class in 2020

October 22, 2021

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community food services played a critical role in helping Americans meet their food needs, especially during the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research by researchers at the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development. They found that middle-class Americans benefited the most from these services, demonstrating a key role these programs can play in times of crisis.

RRDCs launch national survey on rural community, economic, and workforce development priorities

September 20, 2021

The four Regional Rural Development Centers invite professionals working on issues of community, economic, and workforce development to participate in a national survey. The survey is the first phase of a listening sessions process aimed at identifying key priorities and critical investments for rural communities’ recovery and growth. The process is being implemented by the RRDCs with support from the Extension Foundation through the New Technologies for Agricultural Extension accelerator program.

New NERCRD data brief shows household food insufficiency has fallen below pre-pandemic level

September 9, 2021

Following an initial increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. food insufficiency rates have fallen to levels below those in the year prior to the pandemic. At the end of August 2021, and the beginning of Hunger Action Month, the national average household food insufficiency rate has declined to a pandemic-era low of 7.8% according to the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. A new NERCRD COVID-19 Data Report examines these changes and provides detailed data for the Northeast U.S. states.

Choices magazine special issue focuses on COVID-19 impacts on Rural America

July 27, 2021

Choices magazine, which covers food, farms and resource use and is published by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA), has just released a special themed issue on “Rural Development Implications One Year After COVID-19.” The issue contains eight peer-reviewed papers that explore the pandemic’s effects on aspects of rural life ranging from employment and childcare to recreational trail use and farming.

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).