Advancing Sustainable Ag Innovations

1. Advancing Sustainable Ag Innovations Southern SARE Funding Opportunities for Researchers, Graduate Students, and Ag Educators www.southernsare.org

2. Who is SARE? www.southernsare.org Stands for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Authorized in the 1985 Farm Bill and is part of USDA’s NIFA program Our goal is to support farmers, researchers and educators as they explore sustainable ag practices Primary tool is grants

3. How SARE Works www.southernsare.org Regionally administered; we support 13 states and two territories in the Southern region Host institutions: UGA, FVSU, Kerr Center Participatory Inclusive Administrative Council sets research priorities, releases grant calls for proposals, and reviews/selects grants

4. Defining Sustainable Agriculture • SARE’s three broad goals, known as the Pillars of Sustainability • Profit over the long term • Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and water • Quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities These goals must be considered when applying for a grant. www.southernsare.org

5. Our Grant Opportunities Nationally, SARE has provided funding support for over 5,000 sustainable ag research projects. In the Southern region, we’ve awarded over $56 million in grants for over 1,000 proposals. www.southernsare.org

6. Research & Education Grants • For researchers (1862, 1890 or otherwise), govt. agencies, NGOs, other ag professionals. • Encourages a systems approach to sustainable ag. • Awards up 3 years of research. Funding ranges between $100,000 and $300,000. • Research-based projects with an educational/outreach component; Producers and consumers should be part of the process. • Sample Funded Grants • Improving fitness in meat goat herds • Using silvopasture to advance agroforestry systems • Food hubs and regional food systems • Cover crops and soil quality www.southernsare.org

7. Funding Priority Areas • Proposals generally address one of the following priority areas: • Limited-resource farmers • Organic farming systems • Environmentally sound practices/ag ecosystems • Marketing/economic development • Policy, program evaluation, and quality of life • Women in sustainable ag Download the Call for Proposals to learn more: http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant www.southernsare.org

8. Interested in Submitting a Proposal? Tips to Consider Avoid jargon Get someone else to proof read your proposal. Follow directions in the Call for Proposal. Ask Questions • Make sure SARE is the right granting organization for your project • Involve farmers and other end users • Look beyond state lines • Keep the writing simple www.southernsare.org

9. On-Farm Research Grants • For Extension specialists, university researchers, NRCS, NGOs or other ag professionals who currently and regularly work with farmers/ranchers. • These grants are not open to farmers. • Supports on-farm research or marketing projects related to sustainable ag to help farmers find solutions to various ag production issues. • Funding is $15,000 for up to 2 years of research. • Sample grant funds: • Pollinator habitat conservation • Companion plants as IPM tools • Grafting heirloom tomatoes • Propagation of edible pecan truffles in pecan nurseries www.southernsare.org

10. What Grants Fund and Don’t Fund Fund can be used for: Funds cannot be used for: Starting or expanding a farm, farming operation or NGO Buying equipment Permanent farm improvements Lunches or other full meals Testing of commercial products • Cost of sampling and sample analysis • Project materials and supplies • Outreach expenses • Project travel • Hired labor • Refreshments at events www.southernsare.org

11. Funding Priority Areas • Proposals generally address one of the following priority areas: • Beneficial insect habitat • Alternative crops/animals • Organic agriculture • Sustainable marketing projects • Sustainable grazing systems • SOM buildup/protection/management • Increasing sustainability of existing farming practices • Appropriate technology • Agroforestry Download the Call for Proposals to learn more: http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant www.southernsare.org

12. Graduate Student Grants • For full-time Master’s and Ph.D. students at accredited universities in the Southern region interested in sustainable ag research. • An applicant may only receive 1 SARE Graduate Student Grant during his or her degree program. • Funding is $11,000 for up to 3 years of research. • Sample grant funds: • IPM using cover crops • Livestock grazing behavior • Herbal treatments to prevent mastitis in dairy cattle • Identifying barriers to sustainable food production in low-income areas www.southernsare.org

13. What Grants Fund and Don’t Fund Fund can be used for: Funds cannot be used for: Graduate student stipends Travel to scholarly meetings or any international travel Preparation of thesis or dissertation Publication costs Purchase of classroom books Payment of tuition Permanent capital improvements • Supplies • Equipment • Labor • Special texts not readily available • Farm equipment rental • Travel and per diem necessary for the project www.southernsare.org

14. Interested in Submitting a Proposal? Tips to Consider Develop a realistic budget Get someone else to proof read your proposal. Follow directions in the Call for Proposal. Ask Questions • Make sure SARE is the right granting organization for your project • Keep the writing clear and simple • Help reviewers understand the importance of your project • Avoid jargon www.southernsare.org

15. Know More www.southernsare.org • SARE offers more than grants • Learning Center: National publications, including facts sheets, bulletins and books • Regional educational resources and newsletters • SARE program materials • Grantee project products • Videos • Topic Rooms • SARE listserv

16. To Learn More, Visit: http://www.sare.org http://www.southernsare.org E-mail: ssare@uga.edu Call: 770-412-4787 Contact your SARE state coordinator Look for us at conferences, workshops and other events