News & Events

Urban Agriculture: Strengthening Food Security and Community Resilience in the Northeast

Article written by Stacey Sterns, UConn Extension In the densely populated Northeast, urban agriculture is becoming essential for creating resilient, sustainable food systems. Through innovative research, community engagement, and educational outreach, regional universities are making strides to support urban agriculture initiatives that address food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This focus aligns with the […]

Read more

Vector-borne Diseases are Taking a Bite Out of Our Health and Safety

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Amber Guillemette, an Eastern Connecticut resident, couldn’t understand why she was tired and achy all the time in the mid-2000s. As a younger, fit person, it just didn’t make sense. But she easily explained away her symptoms by the increased stress at school. Then, a routine doctor visit and […]

Read more

Strengthening Agriculture and Food Systems in the Northeast

Introduction Land-grant universities in the Northeast are driving innovation in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation. Through research, Extension education, and community engagement, institutions such as Cornell University, the University of Vermont, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Connecticut are fostering resilient food systems while enhancing environmental sustainability. Their work supports farmers, strengthens […]

Read more

Guardians of Our Food System: How Northeast Land-Grant Universities Are Protecting Pollinators

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Ensuring a Future for Pollinators and Agriculture in the Northeast Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our food system, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and countless other crops. Yet, habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide exposure are threatening their survival. Across the Northeast, Land-grant universities are leading innovative […]

Read more

Protecting the Northeast’s Natural Legacy: Land-Grant Institutions Champion Environmental Stewardship

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Across the Northeast’s many landscapes—stretching from coastal watersheds to forested hillsides—land-grant institutions are leading collaborative efforts to protect natural resources and promote environmental resilience. Through science-based conservation, innovative land management, and community partnerships, these universities are fulfilling their shared mission to ensure a regenerative, livable, and vibrant region for […]

Read more

Smart Food, Stronger Communities: Innovation in Action Across the Northeast

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Land-grant institutions lead the charge in translating nutrition science into real-world impact for diverse communities. In a region known for its dense population and vibrant communities, addressing food insecurity and nutrition disparities is both urgent and complex. From rural towns in New Hampshire to urban centers in Connecticut and […]

Read more

Michele Kroll (University of New Hampshire) wins 2024 Northeast Exceptional Local Educator Award

The Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) has awarded University of New Hampshire Extension Field Specialist Michele Kroll the 2024 Exceptional Local Educator Award for her program Promoting Health and Well-being of Older Adults in New Hampshire.

Read more

Northeast Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network extends critical resources to individuals, families, communities

Cultivemos, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) in the Northeast Region, is comprised of a network of organizations and individuals uses a cohort model of network-building. Small cohorts of members work togetherto share and create new resources in their areas of interest and expertise. Cohorts include Farm Worker, Mental Health, Veterans, Legal, PFAS, […]

Read more

Northeast Extension and AgInnovation work together to develop resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems

Read more

“Northeast Agenda” is a call to action for Extension and Agricultural Experiment Stations

Northeast Agenda (Full Version) Northeast Agenda (Executive Summary) The Northeast Agenda is a collaboration between the Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) and the Northeastern Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (NERA).Ā It identifies challenges and opportunities for the Northeast region’s Land-grant programs as they work together to ensure a regenerative, livable, and vibrant […]

Read more

NEED supports three urban Extension projects; enhancing collaboration for communications, 4-H youth, and fighting food waste

The Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) has awarded funding to three new interstate collaborative projects that support, advance, or promote Extension initiatives that directly target or build capacity for programs that reach urban audiences. Learn about the exciting projects below. Any questions about these projects, or the other incredible work Extension is undertaking across […]

Read more

Congratulations Jiff Martin, winner of the 2023 Northeast ECOP Excellence in Extension Award

The Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) is proud to share that Jiff Martin, Sustainable Food Systems Extension Educator at the University of Connecticut (bio), has been awarded the 2023 Northeast Region Excellence in Extension Award by the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy.

Read more