SRDC Announces the 2008 RIDGE Program Call for Proposals: Deadline - June 20

Exploring Food Assistance and Nutrition Issues Among the South’s Vulnerable Populations
The SRDC is pleased to announce its continued support for food and nutrition-related research focusing on the South under the new banner of the RIDGE Program. RIDGE stands for Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics. As in past years, the program is designed to support innovative research that advances our knowledge and understanding of food assistance and nutrition issues impacting vulnerable populations in the South. The Economic Research Service remains a valuable partner with the SRDC in supporting this important work.  To access the full announcement, click here.


New issue of the Rural Realities released

This brief provides an overview of agriculture in urbanizing parts of the United States. These areas are referred to as "rural-urban interface" (RUI) given that they include both urban and rural land. This brief describes some of the broad trends and developments in commercial farming in these areas, and shows how commercial farming is still quite vibrant and dynamic in many RUI counties. This research suggests that innovative local, state, and national policies can have an important influence on the future of RUI agriculture.

Summer Conference and Training Oppurtunities

SRDC is planning a busy summer of professional growth and networking oppurtunities. Three seperate events are scheduled throughout the summer to foster learning and collaboration among Extension and research professionals to address priorities and concerns for the South. These are listed below with links to details on these dynamic events: