Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Producer Grants is a grant from Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) that enables farmers and ranchers in the Southern United States to test sustainable agriculture ideas using field trials, on-farm demonstrations, marketing initiatives, or other techniques. The program focuses on farmer profitability, responsible land use, and community quality of life.

Proposals are due in November, with awards announced in February. Eligible applicants are farmers and ranchers in the Southern region of the United States. Grants of up to $15,000 are available per project to support practice-based sustainable agriculture research conducted directly on working farms and ranches.

Producer Grants - SARE Southern September: Producer Grant Call for Proposals Released November: Producer Grants Due February: Producer Grants Announced Archived Call for Proposals "How to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch" bulletin SARE Grant Management System Producer Grants enable farmers and ranchers to test a sustainable agriculture idea using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique.

What is Sustainable Agriculture? From its inception, the efforts of the SARE program have gone to ultimately benefit the farmer, whether university scientists conduct research, or nonprofit organizations lead training workshops. The implementation of sustainable agriculture practices focuses on farmer profitability, responsible use of the land, and community quality of life.

Recognizing the value and importance of on-the-farm, producer experience in developing solutions to agricultural production challenges, the SSARE Producer Grant program was established in 1994 to give farmers the opportunity to conduct their own research projects. The competitive research grants program is intended to help farmers and ranchers develop sustainable production and marketing practices.

The goal of the grant program is for farmers/ranchers to conduct projects to solve challenges and problems they face, and develop information on what works and doesn’t work so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same problems can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Proposed projects must focus on Southern SARE’s program objectives in developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing farming systems toward sustainability, as defined by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. A simple way to think about sustainable agriculture is that it involves producing enough food and fiber to satisfy today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

Sustainability as defined by the SARE program embraces three common goals (or pillars of sustainability): Profit over the long term; Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and water; Quality of life for farmers, ranchers, farm employees and our communities. Because farms and ranches everywhere are incredibly diverse, there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to sustainability.

Learn more about how some of the most common practices can enhance sustainability for all farms through this SARE sampler of proven practices: "What is Sustainable Agriculture?" Producer Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: The proposal must be submitted from an individual farmer/rancher or farmer/rancher organization, such as a cooperative.

Proposals from NGOs, other community groups or researchers are not accepted. Primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA .

Farm workers are eligible to apply as long as the production activity meets the minimum annual value of $1,000. There is no restriction on farm size or the length of time an individual has been farming. Applicants must be located in the Southern SARE region.

The proposed project addresses production and marketing issues that promote sustainable agriculture. Proposed projects must focus on Southern SARE’s program objectives in developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing farming systems toward sustainability, as defined by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill .

Applicants specifically should be aware of this definition, as proposals will be reviewed with this legal definition in mind. The proposal addresses a research project; Producer Grants are not designed to pay a farmer to “farm. ” Projects must include at least one cooperator.

They can be other farmers, researchers, extension agents, governmental or non-governmental organizations, or others who cooperate in project planning, data collection and outreach of results. The proposed project satisfies the requirements of allowable expenses. An outreach component is identified in the proposal.

Outreach allows the farmer to share his/her project outcomes with the greater farming community. Applicants may only submit one Producer Grant proposal per farm per year. Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply.

Producer Grants are research grants. Grant funds cannot be used to pay a farmer to farm, fund operating expenses (such as Equipment, buildings, animals, or fences) or conduct any kind of farm business. Producer Grants are open to individual farmers/ranchers or farmer organizations.

Only one proposal may be submitted per grant cycle. Primary occupation is farming or ranching or the applicant is a part-time producer. At least $1,000 of annual income from the operation must be documented.

Farmer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board. There are no restrictions on farm size or the length of time an applicant has been farming. Producer Grants, however, are designed for farmers already established in their farming operation, and not for beginning farmers or ranchers.

Producer Grant Calls for Proposals open in September and grants are awarded February the following year. Producer Grant project maximums are $20,000 for an individual farmer or rancher, and $25,000 for a farmer organization. Project duration is for 2 years.

It is difficult to extrapolate useable, practicable data from one-year projects. Producer Grant funds are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Before applying, make sure you have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and execute a Southern SARE grant.

Advance payments are not possible. Producer Grant funds may be used for the following expenses: Costs of sampling and sample analysis. This can include in-field data collection or lab data analysis.

Renting equipment needed for the project. The rental must not extend beyond the project’s timetable. Materials and supplies needed for the project.

The materials and supplies must remain within the scope of the project and be a reasonable request relative to the research being conducted. An example would be the amount of seed needed relative to the size of the research plots. Travel needed for the project, which can include lodging, mileage and meals.

The travel must relate to the project’s goals/activities. Hiring labor needed to effectively conduct and complete the project within the proposed timetable. This can include hiring farmer/rancher labor beyond normal farming duties.

Hired labor must remain within the scope of the project and be a reasonable salary request. Your own labor for project activities above and beyond your normal farming duties. Expenses related to the project’s outreach plan.

This can include holding a field day, workshop, farm tour or demonstration program; the printing of educational materials, such as fact sheets, manuals or curriculum; or the development of other resources such as apps, webinars or videos. The educational materials developed for the outreach plan must remain within the scope of the work and be a reasonable request.

An example would be the amount requested for the printing of educational materials relative to the size of the audience the resource is intended to reach during the life of the project. Refreshments at educational events, such as workshops or field days.

Producer Grant funds cannot be used for the following purposes: Starting a farm, NGO, business or other community organization, or expanding an existing farm, NGO, business or other community organization. Providing any kind financial support relative to the operation of the farm, NGO, business of community organization.

Providing any kind of financial support relative to the general operation of the farm, NGO, business of community organization.

Providing support of any kind for capital investments or permanent farm improvements, including: purchasing equipment; purchasing permanent greenhouses, high tunnels or other buildings; purchasing permanent irrigation; building a pond; purchasing and installing water containment tanks; purchasing permanent fencing; planting an orchard; purchasing livestock or bee hives; or purchasing crops or crop seed for use beyond the research plots and timetable of the project.

Generally, any item that has permanent use beyond the life of the grant project is not allowed. Breakfasts, lunches or other full meals for the project’s outreach plan, or educational/resource event or program. Testing of commercial products.

Products must be explored in broad generalizations. Any costs incurred for producing grant-required project annual and final reports. Before beginning your proposal, we highly recommend that you review the following SARE technical bulletin, “How to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch.

” This publication provides detailed instruction on how to conduct research at the farm level, providing the basics of experimental design, on-farm analysis, data collection and evaluation of results. Developing strong scientific research in your approaches and methods will help strengthen your proposal. Southern SARE Producer Grants are competitive.

Each year we receive more grant proposals than we have monies to award funding. Here are some suggestions that might aid in strengthening your proposal: Follow the instructions in the Call for Proposal. Failure to follow directions or omit any required information will result in your proposal being rejected.

Your proposal can fall in one of the following focus areas: Beneficial insects, alternative crops/animals, organic agriculture, sustainable marketing projects, sustainable grazing systems, soil health or water quality, appropriate technology, agroforestry, or increasing sustainability of existing farming practices. Only one Producer Grant is allowed by the farmer applicant per grant cycle.

If you have more than one idea, we recommend you select your best proposal for submission, and save your other ideas for future submissions. Thoroughly research your project before applying. You may have a great idea for a project, but the research related to the topic may already be well established.

We look for projects that are new, innovative, generate results that are useful beyond one year and produce information that many farmers can use. Successful projects include clear goals and objectives. Due to the small size of the Producer Grants, we recommend developing no more than three (3) objectives in order to complete your project.

We encourage collaboration and partnerships on grant projects. Cooperators help complement your skills. When you enlist the cooperation of people who have expertise in areas that you don’t, they’ll strengthen your project.

Make sure to include cooperators from universities, Cooperative Extension, NGOs, community organizations, or other farmers to add value to your project. Make sure you include an outreach plan. Outreach plans can include field days, educational resources, how-to videos, publications, workshops, or presentations are conferences to share research results with other farmers.

Don’t wait until the last minute to begin your proposal and to submit it to the SARE Grants Management online system. The deadline for proposal submissions is firm. Anticipate technological glitches, budget issues, user error or other issues that might cause delays.

Be clear on the “what”, “why”, and “who cares” of your research project and how it pertains to sustainable agriculture. This is generally outlined in the “Statement of Problem” portion of your proposal. This is your “hook” for reviewers.

Remember, they get to know you through your proposal. Tell your story. Seek assistance from other individuals or organizations in writing and reviewing your grant.

Looking for sustainable ag ideas? Visit SARE's national projects database to learn more about funded projects. Over 9,000 research and education projects have been funded nationally.

How Your Proposal Will Be Reviewed Producer Grants are reviewed based on weighted scoring criteria. Upon closure of the grant deadline, proposals receive a technical review by the Producer Grant Committee of Southern SARE’s Administrative Council, the program’s governing body. The Producer Grant Committee evaluates the proposal using the following criteria: Reviewing the qualifications of the applicant.

Is the applicant eligible and have the experience, skills, knowledge and resources to complete the project? Does the applicant describe the farm operation and the role on the farm? (5 points) Reviewing the Statement of the Problem to ensure that the applicant clearly describes the problem and why the problem needs to be addressed.

(10 points) Reviewing the Statement of the Proposed Solution for relevance to sustainable agriculture and how it’s an improvement over the current problem. Does the solution contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture by building on and/or adding to existing knowledge? Is it a band-aid to conventional agriculture or does it move the needle in more sustainable farming practices?

(15 points) Reviewing the Approaches and Methods to determine if the project experiment is clear, well designed and thought out so that useful and applicable results can be obtained. (20 points) Reviewing Farmer Impacts as proposed project and anticipated project results apply to one or more of the following categories: Adoptability, Economic Benefits, Longevity, Quality of Life, and Impact on Other Farmers.

(15 points) Reviewing the timeline to determine if the project can be effectively completed in the time provided based on the research proposed. (10 points) Determining the effectiveness of the outreach plan. Is the outreach plan well thought out and a benefit to its intended audience?

Are the methods for implementing the outreach plan the most effective way of reaching farmers and ranchers? (10 points) Evaluating the project’s budget to determine if the requested amount is reasonable and realistic, and is clear on what the funds will be spent on. Are the requested funds allowable?

Are budget items itemized with clear descriptions on how they will be used in the project? (15 points) Once the Producer Grant Committee completes its technical review, it meets by conference call to discuss fundable proposals, and then again at the February Administrative Council (AC) meeting to select fundable projects. Those are then presented to the full Administrative Council for funding.

By late February or early March you will be contacted regarding the status of your proposal, and a summary of the review comments for your proposal will be provided to you.

Expectations for Funded Proposals If the Southern SARE Administrative Council selects your project for funding, you can expect the following: Notification: Southern SARE selects Producer Grant proposals during its winter Administrative Council meeting February of each year. Applicants will be notified via email soon after regarding the status of their project. All funded projects officially start April 1.

Budget Reviews and Contracting: Proposals selected for funding will undergo a budget review by Southern SARE. Any revisions or changes will be made prior to the proposal sent to University of Georgia (Southern SARE’s host instituion) for contracting. Applicants will receive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by University of Georgia via email for signature, signifying the project is officially executed.

UGA Vendor Database: All applicants of SARE-funded projects are required to register in University of Georgia’s Vendor Database at https://suppliers. uga. edu as an entity conducting business with University of Georgia.

Registering in the vendor database during the budget review process will expedite grant contracting once the budget review process is complete Invoicing: All project expenses are paid on a reimbursement basis. Applicants will receive an invoice template and be required to submit receipts and invoices during the course of their grant project to be reimbursed for their expenses.