About Us

Mission
The WRDC collaborates with its public and private sector partners to promote excellence in research, education and Extension for the prosperity of western rural communities.

Region
Our region includes the 13 western states and four Pacific Territories.

Goals
The WRDC strengthens rural communities by sharing scientific discovery and application of sustainable practices with rural citizens via conferences, trainings, Web 2.0, and publications. The Center aims to help rural communities prosper, thrive economically, and become self-sustaining.

Priority Areas

1. Enhancing Human Capacity through People-Based Rural Development
2. Creating Vibrant Rural Communities through Place-Based Rural Development
3. Promoting Sustainable Natural Resource Development

Funding
The WRDC is competitively funded by USDA-NIFA and also receives generous support from Utah State University, Utah State University Cooperative Extension, and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station.

One-Time Funding
These regional partners provided one-time funding to the WRDC for the 2011-12 Fiscal Year. These funds were applied to bridge the 24% deficit created by the decreased Federal funding. We extend our thanks to:

Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
Montana State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
University of Alaska-Fairbanks Agricultural Experiment Station
University of Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
University of California Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
University of Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension
Washington State University Extension