THE MISSION OF NORTHEAST REGIONAL CENTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (NERCRD) IS TO ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES (LGU) TO FOSTER REGIONAL PROSPERITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED BY CONDUCTING IMPACTFUL RESEARCH, FORGING PARTNERSHIPS WITH FEDERAL AND PRIVATE FUNDING AGENCIES AND STAKEHOLDER ORGANIZATIONS AND CONNECTING THEM WITH THE LAND-GRANT SYSTEM, AND SERVING AS A REGIONAL HUB FOR OUR LGU PARTNERS, LINKING RESEARCH AND EXTENSION FACULTY ACROSS STATE LINES.RURAL AREAS ACROSS THE NATION CONTINUE TO FACE ECONOMIC TURMOIL, SOCIAL UNREST, CLIMATE CHANGE AND A GREAT DEAL OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE, AS THE SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) PANDEMIC CONTINUES, AND THE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PROCESS HAS YET TO BE OPTIMIZED. THIS POW REFLECTS THE NERCRD'S ONGOING RESPONSE TO THESE CONDITIONS, BUILDING ON ITS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (FALL 2020, VIRTUAL MEETING). THIS PROPOSED PLAN OF WORK ALSO ADDRESSES USDA STRATEGICGOALS 2, 4 AND 7 FOR FY 2018-22.