Sustainable
Agriculture
Research
and Education
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
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
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
www.sare.org
Grant ConnectionsGrant 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:
www.nesare.org • State Coordinator and staff:
National Information• National website at www.sare.org and
regional info at regional websites
• SARE Outreach (publications): www.sare.org/WebStore
• SARE project reports: www.sare.org/MySare/ProjectReport.aspx