Programs, Projects & Support
Welcome to the DRT Environment: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation and Workforce Development
The DRT Environment is more than just a farm—it’s a demonstration, research, and training facility designed to empower the next generation of food producers and entrepreneurs in central Appalachia. Operated by Economic Development Greater East (EDGE) and T & T Organics, the DRT Environment is home to the AgForce Development Program, a comprehensive workforce development initiative. Made possible by a partnership with Berwind Land Company on 350 acres, the DRT Environment is an example of potential partnerships available for economic transition in Appalachia.
At EDGE, we believe that agriculture is central to rebuilding the Appalachian economy. At the heart of the DRT Environment is the AgForce Development Program, a unique initiative focused on creating sustainable economic opportunities through agriculture. This program equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and technical assistance they need to start agricultural small businesses. Small businesses in the DRT environment are identified by EDGE as key economic drivers, critical to rebuilding the community.
Welcome to the Kimball Complex: Building a Sustainable Food Future
The Kimball Complex in Kimball, WV, is a hub of innovation and community revitalization, focused on transforming the Central Appalachian regional food system. As a principal part of the AgForce Development program, the Kimball Complex supports local food producers and brings fresh, sustainable food to the community.
Central Appalachia’s rich landscapes and natural resources offer a unique opportunity to develop a sustainable, community-driven approach to agriculture and economic development. By combining traditional mountain agriculture with modern conservation practices, we can create a model that fosters food sovereignty and long-term economic prosperity for the region.
In the rugged and beautiful landscapes of central Appalachia, the partnership between agriculture and conservation is fundamental to building a sustainable future. Protecting the land while encouraging agricultural production not only safeguards natural resources– it provides economic opportunities for local communities. At the heart of these efforts are partnerships like our partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In order to safeguard land and livelihoods for future generations, we work together to nurture our local environment and our state-wide agricultural industry.
AYAA is a youth-centered organization that educates on the abundant regional career opportunities in agriculture, conservation, and other related fields. In the long term, AYAA will create a pipeline of youth into agricultural and ag-adjacent sectors by encouraging and assisting with applications for the USDA 1890 Scholar Program. The USDA 1890 Scholar Program assists students with attending one of the 19 participating land grant universities, following with job placement into one of the 29 USDA agencies and offices–who need as many as 4,000 more employees to maintain their agency mission.
The Central Appalachian Faith Collective (CAFC) is a collective of regional faith-based organizations centered on land access and food sovereignty. The group ranges from Southern West Virginia to Eastern Kentucky, and includes the Mennonite Central Committee, Together for Hope in Appalachia, and the West Virginia Faith Collective. Some current efforts include the land access initiative and the grocery partner initiative.
From picturesque white water rivers, to our trout streams, to our lush forestry, West Virginia is a state known for its water. However, we’re also very familiar with a variety of water crises. To ensure clean water for drinking, recreation and tourism activities, we’ve partnered with Friends of the Tug Watershed to understand the critical need for water infrastructure and cleanup efforts. As part of our broader initiatives, we’re researching hydropower and related conservation practices to create power from abundant waterways while protecting the unique landscape.
The rural to urban resource exchange system involves a structured, mutually beneficial partnership between rural producers and urban partners. To encourage upward movement in both locations, the system develops key relationships between producers, grocery store operators, business owners, investors and community members involved in agribusiness and related sectors.
EDGE prioritizes health, place, livelihood, and nutrition to lead land and community reclamation in Appalachia.
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