S ustainable A griculture R esearch and E ducation

What is SARE? USDA-NIFA grant program to expand and extend knowledge about sustainable agriculture Started in 1988 SARE grant programs: use a systems approach, participatory and inclusive, and decentralized decision making

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.

What is SARE? Grants and outreach to advance sustainable innovations to the whole of American agriculture.

Systems Approach Looking at agriculture from an ecosystems perspective Taking a whole-farm approach and using interdisciplinary teams to address complex questions The SARE Model Photo by Troy Bishopp

The SARE Model Participatory Education partnerships with Extension and other ag professionals in every state and island protectorate Farmers involved at all levels Photo by Bob Nichols, USDA NRCS

The SARE Model Decentralized Four regional councils set priorities and make grants

SARE Regions and Host Institutions Northeast at University of Vermont North Central at University of Minnesota Western at Utah State University Southern at University of Georgia

Conservation tillage Integrated Pest Management Reliable labor Saving energy Organic farming Grazing Cover Crops Agritourism Community Supported Agriculture On-farm processing Rotations Direct marketing Entrepreneurship Diversification

Competitive Grant Opportunities Research and Education Grants Professional Development Grants Farmer Grants Partnership Grants Sustainable Community Grants Graduate Student Grants From Northeast SARE $3 million awarded in 2010

Grant Connections Farmer, Partnership, Graduate Student, Community Research and Education Professional Development

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.

Research and Education Grants Awards: $30,000-$190,000 Every grant must have an education component Grants do not necessarily include a research component Goal: adoption of practices by farmers that help them meet Northeast SARE’s outcome statement 2010: $1,739,665 awarded for 13 Research and Education projects

Professional Development Grants Awards: $15,000-$120,000 Train the trainer programs Educate extension and other ag service providers (NRCS, non-profits, FSA, consultants) Goal: improve education programs for farmers to help them meet Northeast SARE’s outcome statement 2010: $430,310 awarded for four Professional Development projects

Farmer Grants Awards up to $15,000 for individual producer Pay for direct costs of project Farmer in charge; technical advisor required Must share results with other farmers 2010: $243,082 awarded for 27 Farmer Grant projects

Partnership Grants Awards up to $15,000 For agricultural professionals working directly with farmers For research or demonstration projects Must be done in cooperation with at least one farmer 2010: $256,894 awarded for 19 Partnership Grant projects

Sustainable Community Grants Awards up to $15,000 Link sustainable agriculture to healthy community development Communities and farmers must benefit 2010: $237,317 awarded for 17 Sustainable Community projects

Awards up to $15,000 For graduate students to research key topics in sustainable agriculture Topics to benefit farmers and improve our understanding of sustainable farm systems Graduate Student Grants 2010: $166,059 awarded for 13 Graduate Student projects

Other SARE Programs Speakers Fund to bring sustainable agriculture speakers to conferences and workshops Publications available through SARE Outreach – bulletins – books State Programs training and outreach on sustainable agriculture for Extension, other ag service providers, and farmers

Northeast Region Information Regional Coordinator and staff: State Coordinator and staff:

National Information National website at regional info at regional websites SARE Outreach (publications): SARE project reports :