Change

Effecting Change by Funding Competitive Grants: Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Robert L. Newhall Western SARE Deputy Coordinator

What is Sustainable Agriculture ? 1. Satisfy human food and fiber needs; 2. Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; 3. Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on- farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; 4. Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and 5. Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

In short, Sustainable Agriculture is: 1. Economically Viable... If it is not profitable, it is not sustainable Socially Acceptable... The Quality of Life of Farmers, Farm Families and Farm Communities is important Ecologically Sound... We must preserve the resource base that sustains us all...

Western SARE Program A program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture that promotes profitable farms, a sound environment and vibrant communities through offering different types of grants opportunities: 1. Farmer/Rancher Grants 2. Professional + Producer Grants 3. Research and Education Grants 4. Professional Development Grants 5. Graduate Student Grants

Farmer/Rancher Grants How much? Up to $15,000 (1 producer) or $25,000 (3+ producers) How long? One to three years How does the money flow? 50% upon contracting & 50% upon completion & accepted final report Must include a Technical Advisor (Extension, NRCS, SCD, etc.) Technical Review – January AC approves funding – March Contracting – starts spring

Professional + Producers Grants How much? Up to $50,000 How long? One to three years) How does the money flow? Cost-Reimbursable Must have five or more producers signed on Technical Review – January AC approves funding – March Contracting – starts spring

Research & Education Cooperative Projects How much? Upper limit around $250,000 How long? One to three years: potential for competitive renewal How does the money flow? Cost-Reimbursable Must have three producers involved Pre-proposal Technical Review – July AC approves those to submit full proposals – August Full proposal Technical Review – January AC approves funding – March Contracting – starts spring

Professional Development Program How much? Up to $75,000 How long? One to three years How does the money flow? Cost-Reimbursable) Train-the-trainer grants for Professional Development Technical Review – January AC approves funding – March Contracting – starts spring

Graduate Student Grants How much? Up to $25,000 How long? One to two years How does the money flow? Cost-Reimbursable Need to be working on Masters or PhD Technical Review – July AC approves funding – August Contracting – fall

When writing a Western SARE grant: Points to Remember: Read the Call for Proposals (CFP) Read the CFP again – several times Tie your idea into what Western SARE wants Always make sure to have the proposal in by the required time/date

Common reviewer critiques The proposal failed to address SARE goals The proposal and plan of action lacked focus; not clear what you intended to do Large amount of dollars paying for personnel The education & outreach plan is weak Crops to be grown are not specified Did not follow directions specified by the CFP

Common reviewer critiques It would be helpful to have a control plot There was little information about how this project would benefit other producers Lots of unanswered questions; not sure what they’re going to do The funding seems more for perpetuating an organization than developing a project Not much going to producer education

Common reviewer praise Creative Well-written Large potential and measurable impact Very innovative approach Good use of technical advisor Good proposal with specific goals Lots of producers involved and educated

Common reviewer praise Good outreach with field days, fliers, pamphlets and web-based materials The budget fit well and is carefully planned Good study design It proposes good measurable outcomes The systems approach is a good one Good ‘on-the-ground’ testing

Budgets Create a realistic budget Budgets that overstate estimated expenses raise red flags with reviewers A budget that bumps up against the maximum allowed can also wave a red flag Read the specific budgetary requirements carefully and address them