1. Advancing Sustainable Ag Innovations Southern SARE Funding Opportunities: Producer Grants www.southernsare.org

2. Who is SARE?  Stands for S ustainable A griculture R esearch and E ducation 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 www.southernsare.org

3. 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 www.southernsare.org

4. 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. www.southernsare.org

5.  Build on the three pillars of:  Environmental stewardship  Social responsibility  Economic viability  Tangible measures – some example “metrics”  Environmental – soil is one component  Soil loss vs. productivity  Social – working conditions vs. fatalities/injuries  Economic – land tenure and incentives What is sustainability anyway ?

6.  Establish benchmarks, measure the level of sustainability,  Are we making progress?  Public policy analysis  Comparing farms – a touchy issue!  Provide guidance to buyers Why Measure Sustainability?

7. Brands: Organic Valley? Dean’s Milk? Ben & Jerry’s? Graeter’s Ice Cream; Laura’s Lean Beef Certifications Organic; Fair Trade; Amer. Grassfed; Certified Naturally Grown; Sustainability Metrics ??? Relationships Your local farmer, processor The level of sustainability is communicated to buyers through:

8. 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 $46 million in grants for over 800 proposals. www.southernsare.org

9. Grant Types - overview  Research and Education Grants  Typically $100,000 to $200,000  Pre-proposals due in June  Professional Development Grants  Typically $30,000 to about $80,000  Pre-proposals due in June  Grad Student Grants  Up to $10,000  Due in June  Producer and On-Farm Grants  Due in November www.southernsare.org

10. Producer and On-Farm Grants (2 of the 7 grant types)  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.  Up to two years.  Include a diverse range of sustainable ag topics. Examples include trap crops, cover crops, multi- species grazing, innovative marketing, beneficial insects.  Example projects:  Mushroom Production on 100% Waste Substrate  Insect Exclusion Using Woven Shade Cloth  Switchgrass as Beneficial Insect Habitat and Compost www.southernsare.org

11. On-Farm Grant – Ky. example  Morgan Co., Ky – Sweet potato enterprise  Parts:  Production practices  Technical skills – extension agent and specialist  Marketing  Cooperation  Outcomes:  Producer skills  Higher incomes  Long term enterpise  Marketing opportunities www.southernsare.org

12. 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 www.southernsare.org Download the Call for Proposals to learn more: http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant

13. 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 www.southernsare.org

14. 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 www.southernsare.org

15. To Learn More, Visit: http://www.sare.orgttp://www.southernsare.org E-mail: ssare@uga.edussare@uga.edu Contact one of your SARE state coordinators: Lee Meyer – lee.meyer@uky.edulee.meyer@uky.edu Marion Simon - marion.simon@kysu.edumarion.simon@kysu.edu Look for us at conferences, workshops and other events