Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the university of vermont (UVM)…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the university of vermont (UVM) institute for rural partnerships (ifrp-VT) will enable andelevate innovations and research for the challenges facing rural regions, and develop community partnerships to address such challenges through targeted programming in critical areas of need and opportunity facing rural communities. These areas include key drivers of rural economic resiliency: agriculture, energy, transportation & housing, health care, workplace transitions, environment, education and policy & goverance. Guided by an innovation works board of experts, the ifrp-VT will support university faculty and facilities that team with early phase rural community-driven initiatives, non-profits pursuing rural development, and early stage startups that are likely to have a significant impact on rural communities through a series of innovative and research impacts grant awards. By providing technical assistance, access to research facilities, faculty expertise, studentinternships, and established UVM startup and engagement programs to non-UVM entities, the ifrp-VT will go beyond conducting research at a distance and become true partners in rural development. New and existing network ties will be leveraged, with the dissemination of practices that work through regional and national conferences and partnering with the northeastern regional rural development center. Our institute aligns with the USDA requested ifrp-VT priorities, as we will establish an institutefor rural partnerships that will dedicate resources to researching the causes and conditions of challenges facing rural areas, and develop community partnerships to address such challenges. Further, the institute is aligned with goals 2, 3, and 5 of the USDA strategic goals for FY 2022-2026.goal 2: ensure america's agricultural system is equitable, resilient, and prosperous. Theifrp-VT anticipates the significant inclusion of small- to medium-sized farmers supported by our program. This farming demographic is highly represented in the northern new englandregion. Due to existing pressure from larger, established farms, small/medium farms are alreadymore likely to adapt to new technologies and ideas to stay competitive, as well as seek new, sustainable farming practices. In addition, investment in small/medium farms is likely to directly impact nearby rural economies and communities, which is in line with our first funding priority.goal 3: foster an equitable and competitive marketplace for all agricultural producers. Ifrp-VT will place emphasis on prioritizing IRI projects that address the needs of underserved communities and populations. This will be particularly salient for projects supporting theregenerative agriculture, connected community schools, and healthcare reimagined project areas. I-works board members will be recruited from groups that support equality, including the vermont professionals of color network and the center for women and enterprise.goal 5: expand opportunities for, economic development and improve quality of life in rural and tribal communities. As stated above, our first selection criteria for ifrp-VT cohort participation and funding support will be for ideas that directly target economic development and quality of life improvements in rural communities. With this approach, we anticipate a high impact on the reinvigoration of rural communities regionally and nationally.