In 2017, EDGE was formed by a diverse group of community leaders with backgrounds in agriculture, research, rural social work, faith, community health and engineering. With this diversity as our foundation, EDGE provides comprehensive solutions in economic development, food sovereignty and community health. Situated in the Southern Coalfields, we’ve positioned ourselves as the anchor institution for Southern West Virginia for economic development.

Our sites, programs, and partnerships steer our mission and activate all areas of community life. In partnership with T & T Organics, we operate the DRT Environment, a 350-acre demonstration, training and research farm in Berwind, WV. As a living classroom, the DRT Environment provides localized workforce development and entrepreneurship training, generating small business development within agriculture, tourism, conservation and housing. Outside of our direct programming, we prioritize partnerships with faith organizations, local publications, and community development organizations in the region. By centralizing community partnerships in our mission, we have a robust understanding of local perspectives while simultaneously spreading awareness of the solutions and opportunities we’re researching.