Jason Challandes Regional SARE Educator for Delaware & the Eastern Shore of Maryland February 28, 2013 Northeast SARE Farmer and Partnership Grant Programs

Sustainable Agriculture * An integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term: Satisfy human food and fiber needs Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls Sustain the economic viability of farm operations Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. * As defined in the farm bill

Northeast SARE Outcome Statement Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to its customers; it will be conducted by farmers who manage resources wisely, who are satisfied with their lifestyles, and have a positive influence on their communities and the environment. This statement drives the mission for Northeast SARE grant programs.

What is SARE? SARE = Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program USDA competitive grants and outreach program Operates independently in four regions “Advancing sustainable innovations to the whole of American agriculture”

Competitive Grants …and Research & Education Professional Development Agroecosystems Farmer Partnership Sustainable Community Graduate Student Publications  Bulletins  On-line books, factsheets  Innovations Sustainable Farmer Educators Speakers Fund State Program Northeast SARE Programs

2010 NE-SARE Grants Portfolio Grant TypeTotal Number Submitted Total Number Funded Success rateTotal Amount Funded Research & Education %$1,739,665 Professional Development 10440%$430,310 Farmer582747%$243,082 Partnership341956%$256,894 Sustainable Community %$237,316 Graduate Student %$166,059 Total$ 3,073,326

About Northeast SARE Farmer Grant WHAT? A grant to: Explore innovative ideas. Develop, refine, and/or demonstrate new sustainable techniques. Seek new knowledge that other farmers can use. Address questions that are directly linked to improved profits, better stewardship of resources, and stronger rural communities.

About Northeast SARE Farmer Grant HOW? Field trial On-farm demonstration Marketing research Other – inventions Project must have an outreach component

Who can apply for a Farmer grant? WHO Must be a farmer in the Northeast Can be full-time or part-time For-profit operations that are currently selling farm products, crop or animal, on a regular basis A technical advisor--often an extension agent, veterinarian, crop consultant, or other service professional--is required as a project participant.

SARE Funds Can Be Used For: Your time and time your employees work on project Project materials Project-related services (soil testing, consulting, etc.) Project-related travel Postage, printing, phone, and other outreach expenses Compensating technical advisors, collaborators, etc. Rental equipment specifically needed for project

SARE Does NOT Fund: Projects requesting more than $15,000 General overhead costs Capital expenses Projects with no direct link to sustainability Projects with little/unclear benefit to other farmers Proposals that replicate techniques already known to be effective Past recipients who are behind in their reporting

Types of Projects Funded New production techniques / strategies Adoption in Northeast, etc. Marketing of new products Value-added Invention of equipment, etc. Education, outreach & demonstration

SARE has funded projects in: Aquaculture Bees Composting Cover cropping systems Education Erosion control Grazing and pasture management Greenhouse production Hay and silage Herbs & specialty crops Livestock Market Development Mulches No-till Pest management Processing and adding value Tools and prototypes Weed control

Examples of Northeast SARE Farmer Projects

2007: A Vermont farmers breeding club: Developing varieties that work for us. Jack Lazor Butterworks Farm Westfield, Vermont

2010: MD Oyster Big Flip Floats for Commercial Aquaculture David Chamberlain Berlin, MD

2009: Exploring Husbandry and Equipment Solutions to Infestations of Polydora sp. on a Maine Oyster Farm. Jesse Leach Bagaduce Oyster Co. Penobscot, Maine

2001 & 2002: Effect of Different Grazing Systems on Dairy Goat Productivity. Kristan Doolan Does’ Leap Farm, Bakersfield, Vermont

2010: Economical Climate Control for extended Production in High Tunnel Vertical Growing Willie Lantz Mt. Lake Park, MD 21550

2011: Effects of Pole Lima Production in North/South vs. East/West Row Ed Zitvogel Bridgeville, DE

2003: Early Sweet Corn From Transplants. Jon Satz Woods Market Garden Brandon, Vermont

2003: Low-cost electric cultivating/seeding tractor conversion of Allis Chalmers G. Ron Khosla Huguenont Street Farm New Paltz, NY

2012: Alternative Poultry Breeds and Houses – Kim Hartline, Clayton, DE

2012: Water Hyacinth Barry Wards, Pokomoke City, MD

Farmer Application: 10 steps/questions 1. Summary or abstract 2. What is the problem and why is it important? 3. What efforts have been made by others to solve the problem? 4. How will your project fit in with your farm operation? 5. What will your methods be? 6. How will you measure your results? 7. How will the results of your project help farmers in the Northeast? 8. What is the outreach plan for your project results? 9. Build your budget 10. Justify your budget

Read the “How to Write a SARE Farmer Grant Application” booklet Enlist technical advisor and give guide. Submit application on-line by December 1, Mail one paper copy signed by technical advisor within 15 days of deadline. December – March 2012, Review team of 4 reads, ranks and discusses. Awards recommended to Administrative Council. March 2012 Applicants notified of award or rejection April-May 2012 Contracts created and signed for reimbursement Application Procedure and Timeline FARMER GRANTS

Search for Current Sustainable Ag Research Search the SARE projects data base online at Organic Farming Research Foundation at National Agricultural Library at contact Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas at to get a resource packet in your interest areawww.attra.org application/application-help.html

Role of Ag Service Providers Technical Advisor  Review grant application – complete and convincing?  Help with experimental design – include control  Provide background for justification – trends  Read comments from possible rejection letter and try again  Supply outreach opportunities  [see “A Guide for Agricultural Service Providers” on nesare.org] Consultant – paid for work on Farmer grants  Measurements or outreach Apply for Partnership grant

Application Review Process  Completed proposal sent to 4 review team members who  Review teams are comprised of at least one farmer and one member from SARE’s Administrative Council. The other two are recruited from the SARE’s Technical Committee. Usually serve 2-3 years.  Proposals are ranked separately by 4 reviewers.  Reviewers discuss proposals on conference call. Some rankings change with discussion.  Proposals are awarded based on merit, not on balancing of geographical distribution

Farmer Grants: Evaluation Criteria for Review 1. A direct link to agricultural sustainability Project must address one or more of the following themes: o the reduction of environmental and health risks in agriculture o the prevention of agricultural pollution o improved productivity, the reduction of costs, and the increase of net farm income o the conservation of soil, the improvement of water quality, and the protection of -natural resources o the enhancement of employment in rural areas o the improvement of quality of life for farmers, their employees, and the farm community

Farmer Grants: Evaluation Criteria for Review 2. Innovative content and approach 3. Familiarity with related work 4. Capacity for success 5. Clear objectives, sound methods, and measurable results 6. Involvement from the technical advisor 7. Outreach 8. Sensible budget

Partnership Grants Just like Farmer grants but Ag. Service Provider is Principle Investigator (PI) or Project Coordinator Must have an on-farm project. Deadline for online proposal is November 1, 2011 with signed hardcopy due within 15 days of deadline.

Partnership Application: 9 steps/questions 1. What is the problem and why is it important? 2. What is your proposed solution? 3. What are your project methods? 4. What is the project timetable? 5. How will you disseminate your project results? 6. What are your qualifications? 7. Who are the project’s cooperating farmers? 8. Budget 9. Budget justification

Partnership Grants: Evaluation Criteria for Review 1. Show a direct link to sustainable agriculture: Proposals must address at least one of the following themes: o the reduction of environmental and health risks in agriculture o the prevention of agricultural pollution o improved productivity, the reduction of costs, and the increase of net farm income o the conservation of soil, the improvement of water quality, and the protection of -natural resources o the enhancement of employment in rural areas o the improvement of quality of life for farmers, their employees, and the farm community

Partnership Grants: Evaluation Criteria for Review 2. Build knowledge for farmers 3. Innovation and significance 4. Clear objectives, sound methods, and measurable results 5. Effective outreach 6. Capacity for success 7. Familiarity with related work 8. Sensible budget

Common areas for improvement per reviewer comments Problem is specific only to this farmer: “Wasn't convinced that this project addressed an important ag problem/issue. Farmer interest not supported: “The commercial viability of these varieties is not known nor is it clear how the plants will be marketed and if anyone who has a commercial interest in them.”

Common areas for improvement per reviewer comments Need to provide details and follow proposal directions: “This proposal needs to define a problem to be solved and its methodology. Its benefit is to the applicant only. Speakers aren't identified. There are no cooperating farmers outside the applicants' organization.” Idea needs to be innovative and its impact shown: “Many marketing opportunities already available so, application should be going to the next level. Concern that ability to measure impact was missing..”

Common areas for improvement per reviewer comments Questionable qualifications of applicant: “The idea in itself is really not bad but I wonder if the applicants have the needed farming knowledge to assess which material is useful? Who evaluates if the material is accurate, appropriate and useful for small farmers in the Northeast?” Idea is too big for grant size: “No indication that this project will sustain itself or continue after the grant and outreach is weak.”

For More Information Carol Delaney  Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Specialist  ,  Farmer & Partnership grants  State programs, State Coordinators and Program Staff  Jason Challandes  Regional SARE Educator for Delaware and Eastern Shore of Maryland  , Berran Rogers  Maryland State Coordinator  ,