Editor’s Note — Each SARE region operates independently, setting their own policies and priorities. They also solicit proposals and award grants at different times of the year. This is the first in a series of periodic blog posts on the latest happenings in each SARE region as they roll out project solicitations and announce grant awards.
What is SARE?
SARE is a farmer driven research and education competitive grants program designed to help advance sustainable agriculture across the whole of American agriculture. SARE is administered through four regional councils of producers, researchers, educators, and government representatives that set SARE policies and make grants.
SARE’s four regional offices administer three primary grant programs, Research and Education, Professional Development and Producer Grants. Some regions also offer additional grants for community innovation, graduate student research, agricultural professional conducting on-farm research, and region-specific initiatives.
North Central SARE News
On August 11, North Central SARE announced a call for grant proposals for Partnership Grants and Research and Education Grants. Partnership Grants can last up to 2 years and can be funded at up to $30,000. These grants are focused on connecting agricultural professional and farmers to conduct on-farm research.
Research and Education Grants can be funded at up to $200,000 and last up to 3 years. This grant is focused on research, education, and outreach involving farmers and scientists in multiple professions such as economic and plant sciences.
NSAC encourages farmers and organizations that work with farmers to consider applying. Eligibility is not limited to academic institutions and non-profits and for profit businesses are not excluded.
On July 31, the North Central SARE announced the award of its 2014 Research and Education and Graduate Student competitive grant programs. These two grant program awarded funding to more than 25 projects in the Midwest. In total more than $1.7 million was awarded. NSAC congratulates the awardees.
Research and Education Grants:
- National Bison Association, for a bison outreach and education project
- University of Wisconsin – Madison, for a tomato variety trial to increase direct marketing opportunities
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, for a project to increase resilience and flexibility in organic potato production in the Midwest
- Purdue University, to evaluate the impact of Biochar on soil fertility using farmer led research
- University of Minnesota, to study the benefits of legume cover cropping in the northern Midwest
- Renewing the Countryside II, for “Reweaving the Economic Fabric to Support Sustainable Farms and Ag-based Businesses”
- Michigan State University, to study the use of insectary plants to enhance beneficial insects.
- Iowa State University to study the use of cover crops and strip tillage to increase soil quality and sustainability benefits
- Lincoln University to study ways to prevent Footrot outbreaks in Sheep and Goats
The Graduate Student Grant awards are listed here.
Southern SARE News
The Southern SARE recently announced that in September 2014 it will release requests for proposals for Producer Grants and On-Farm Grants. Producer Grants can be funded at up to $15,000 and are aimed at farmers that want to test a research idea. On-Farm Grants can also be funded at up to $15,000 and are focused on research conducted by academics in partnership with at least one farmer.
NSAC encourages farmers and organizations that work with farmers to consider applying. Eligibility is not limited to academic institutions and non-profits and for profit businesses are not excluded.
Western SARE News
On July 1, 2014 the new regional director for the Western SARE, Dr. Teryl Roper, assumed his post. The appointment of Dr. Roper was announced in March, but his appointment did not take effect until July 1. Dr. Roper is replacing the retiring Dr. V. Philip Rasmussen. Dr. Rasmussen has been with Western SARE for 20 years, the majority of the time the 26-year-old SARE program has been in existence. NSAC thanks him for his service and for his dedication to NSAC and to the movement.
Dr. Roper comes to Western SARE from the faculty of Utah State University, the host institution for Western SARE. He earned his Ph.D. in horticulture from Washington State University.
North East SARE News
On August 27, North East SARE will be hosting a Pollinator Conservation Short Course in Kingston, RI. This course will teach attendees how to attract native pollinators through a science-based approach. Attendees will learn about pollinator biology, field identification of bees, how to assess pollinator habitat, and how to enhance pollinator habitat. The class is made possible with SARE funding and the participation of the Xerces Society.
The deadline for North East SARE’s Partnership Grants is approaching; applications are due November 13, 2014. Partnership Grants from North East SARE can be multi-year in length and are capped at $15,000. These grants are focused on connecting agricultural professional and farmers to conduct on-farm research.
NSAC encourages farmers and organizations that work with farmers to consider applying. Eligibility is not limited to academic institutions and non-profits and for profit businesses are not excluded.