NEED Announces Planning Grant and Seed Funding Award Recipients June 5, 2026 The Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Northeast Extension Planning Grants and Seed Funding awards. Through this new program, NEED is investing $20,000 to catalyze multi-institutional collaborations that advance the Northeast Agenda and lay […]
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NEED News
Dairy Innovation Strengthens Northeast Farms and Communities
Article provided by the Northeast Communicators Network As communities across the Northeast celebrate June Dairy Month, researchers and Extension professionals are working alongside farmers to help sustain one of the region’s most important local food industries.
Read more4-H Across the Northeast Prepares Youth to Lead, Serve and Succeed
Article by the Northeast Communicators Network From Maine’s coastlines to New York City neighborhoods, from Connecticut classrooms to Maryland agricultural programs and Rhode Island community initiatives, 4-H is helping young people across the Northeast build the skills, confidence and connections needed to succeed in school, careers and civic life. As the nation’s largest youth development […]
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Water Wise: Northeast Land‑Grant Universities Contribute Research to Community Resilience
How Science and Local Partnerships Shape a Healthier and Safer Water Future Article by Elodie Reed, University of Vermont Photo credit: Ren Dillon, University of Vermont Water defines life in the Northeast. Farms and forests grow around its bends; towns and cities build up along its banks. Water bodies offer nourishment, beauty and life, and […]
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Maple Futures: How Northeast Land‑Grant Universities Are Advancing Research and Extension from the Sugarbush to the Marketplace
Provided to NEED by the Northeast Communicators Network – Author “Combined Reports” Across the Northeast, land‑grant universities are pairing forest science with on‑farm education to keep maple a resilient, growing sector, despite climate variability, shifting markets, and evolving technology.
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Agritourism Grows Opportunity Across the Northeast
Courtesy of Greenfield Highland Beef in VT
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Strengthening Community Health Across the Northeast Through Nutrition Education
Story created by the Northeast Communicators Network As food prices rise and access to healthy options remains uneven, families across the Northeast continue to face mounting challenges tied to food security, chronic disease and limited nutrition knowledge. Barriers to healthy eating that can affect both immediate well-being and long-term health outcomes heighten these pressures.
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Innovating for Growth: How Land-Grant Universities Strengthen Local Economies in the Northeast
Written by Stacey Sterns, University of Connecticut and the Northeast Communicators Network Extension and research partnerships spark entrepreneurship, revitalize rural economies, and create lasting change across the region.
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Healthy Futures: Community Nutrition Strengthens Resilience Across the Northeast
Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension From coastal communities to rural towns and major urban centers, families across the Northeast face common challenges in accessing healthy, affordable food. Land-grant universities in 12 states and the District of Columbia are promoting nutrition, food security, and stronger community health.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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