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