Producer Grants: Advancing Sustainable Ag Innovations Southern SARE Funding Opportunities for Farmers/Ranchers

Who is SARE?  Stands for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program  Authorized in the 1985 Farm Bill and is part of USDA’s NIFA program  Our goal is to support farmers, researchers and educators as they explore sustainable ag practices  Primary tool is grants

How SARE Works  Regionally administered; we support 13 states and two territories in the Southern region  Host institutions: UGA, FVSU, Kerr Center  Participatory  Inclusive  Administrative Council sets research priorities, releases grant calls for proposals, and reviews/selects grants

Defining Sustainable Agriculture  SARE’s three broad goals, known as the Pillars of Sustainability  Profit over the long term  Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and water  Quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities These goals must be considered when applying for a grant.

Our Grant Opportunities Nationally, SARE has provided funding support for over 5,000 sustainable ag research projects. In the Southern region, we’ve awarded over $52 million in grants for over 900 proposals. We have allotted about $2 million for Producer Grants.

Producer Grants  For farmers and ranchers interested in conducting on-farm sustainable agriculture research to solve farming and ranching challenges.  Awards up to $10,000 for individuals, and $15,000 for farmer organizations.  Can be funded for up to two years.  Grants include a diverse range of topics that promote sustainable agriculture. Examples include trap crops, cover crops, multi-species grazing, innovative marketing, beneficial insects.  Sample Funded Grants  Mushroom Production on 100% Waste Substrate  Insect Exclusion Using Woven Shade Cloth  Switchgrass as Beneficial Insect Habitat and Compost  Increasing Sustainability of Goat Production

What We Fund What We Don’t Fund  Fund  Cost of sampling  Materials or supplies  Outreach expenses  Travel for the project  Hired labor  Refreshments for outreach  Don’t Fund  Buying equipment or land  Starting a farm  Permanent farm improvements  Lunches or other full meals  Testing commercial products Download the Call for Proposals to learn more:

Interested in Submitting a Proposal? Tips to Consider  Farmer/Cooperator collaboration  Download and READ the Call for Proposals BEFORE applying  Develop clear goals  Plan and prepare; don’t wait until the last minute  Don’t be afraid to discuss your idea with others  Ask other people to look at your proposal before submitting it.  Ask Questions

Know More  SARE offers more than grants  Learning Center: National publications, including facts sheets, bulletins and books  Regional educational resources and newsletters  SARE program materials  Grantee project products  Videos  Topic Rooms  SARE listserv

To Learn More, Visit: Call: Contact your SARE state coordinator Look for us at conferences, workshops and other events