The Rural Research Institute is a seedling that is starting to sprout. Check back often as we cultivate this new nonprofit entity, and if you have any questions or would like to know more about what we do, please contact us.
Our Core Values
- Interconnectedness: We believe no challenge exists in isolation. We approach rural development by honoring the complex web of relationships between the land, the economy, and the people.
- Actionable Innovation: We don’t research for the sake of theory. We prioritize technology and practices that are practical, scalable, and directly improve the daily lives of rural citizens.
- Integrity of Stewardship: We are committed to the long-term health of the environment. Our research seeks to balance immediate economic outputs with the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
- Radical Collaboration: Like the lines on our map, we thrive on connection. We actively break down silos between farmers, technologists, historians, and health professionals.
- Cultural Respect: We recognize that rural vitality is rooted in history and art. We value the “People and Places” as much as the “Inputs and Outputs,” ensuring progress never comes at the cost of identity.
Institutional Implements
The Rural Research Institute achieves its mission by leveraging a multi-pronged approach of research and experimentation, educational outreach, and communication with a collaborative mindset.
Binding Principles
Like the strands of a rope, the Rural Research Institute’s missional work is organized into three interconnected domains, ensuring that every advancement is durable and serves a human purpose:
- Community Connectivity: Strengthening the social infrastructure through news, technology tools, and civic collaboration.
- Agricultural Stewardship: Researching sustainable practices and economic models that protect the environment while ensuring farm viability.
- Human Vitality: Measuring and promoting the impacts of land management on nutrition, mental health, and cultural identity.
