1. S ustainable A griculture R esearch and E ducation

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. www.sare.org 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

10. 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

11. www.sare.org Grant Connections Farmer, Partnership, Graduate Student, Community Research and Education Professional Development

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Northeast Region Information Regional Coordinator and staff: www.nesare.org www.nesare.org State Coordinator and staff:

21. National Information National website at www.sare.organdwww.sare.org regional info at regional websites SARE Outreach (publications): www.sare.org/WebStore www.sare.org/WebStore SARE project reports : www.sare.org/MySare/ProjectReport.aspx www.sare.org/MySare/ProjectReport.aspx