Deadline: 18 November 2016
The Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program is seeking proposals from eligible entities in order to recognize the value and importance of On-Farm Research in developing solutions to agricultural production problems.
Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long-term:
- Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
- Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
- Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers/ranchers and society as a whole.
Focus Areas
The focus areas have been chosen by the On-farm Research Grant Committee as areas needing investigation. These focus areas elaborate topics for applicants who are in need of information on research areas of interest to the SARE On-Farm Research Grant program.
- Beneficial Insect Habitat – Developing cover crops or other plant mixes and locations that provide habitat (refuges) that keep populations of native beneficial insects living on the farm ready to attack crop pests as they occur.
- Alternative Crops/Animals – Developing alternative crops, animals or products that help a producer’s operation become more economically sustainable. These projects must be at least as environmentally sustainable as the existing crops, animals and products they supplement or replace.
- Organic Agriculture – Projects that address the production, distribution, marketing and consumption of organic farm products. This includes farmers adding value to organic products. Research into farming systems and practices that make use of on-farm biological cycles for soil, plant and pest management.
- Sustainable Marketing Projects – Developing markets for existing or alternative crops, animals or products.
- Sustainable Grazing Systems – Use of native grass species and or plant/animal management systems to make grazing systems more sustainable.
- Soil Organic Matter Building/Protection/Management – Projects that increase the sustainability of farming systems by developing soil organic matter and soil biota.
- Increasing Sustainability of Existing Farming Practices – Any practice or system that increases the sustainability of an existing farming practice. The results should be able to be used by other farmers.
- Appropriate Technology – Projects that develop a device or piece of machinery that promotes sustainable agriculture and can’t be purchased off the shelf. The device or machinery must have application for farmers/ranchers, be able to be built by them and enable them to operate more sustainably.
- Agroforestry– Studies are needed that demonstrate and quantify the feasibility of establishing agroforestry in the region.
Funding Information
Projects may be funded up to 2 years for a project maximum of $15,000.
Eligibility Criteria
On-Farm Research Grant Projects must be developed, coordinated and led by Extension, NRCS, governmental or non-governmental organization (NGO) or University personnel who regularly work with farmers/ranchers AND who will conduct the on-farm research with at least one farmer/rancher cooperator. Applicants must complete a proposal describing their project and explaining how it will help producers understand and adopt sustainable agriculture practices.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit proposals through an online process.
Eligible Regions: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information, please visit SARE On-Farm Research Grant.
