Which SARE grant program is for you?
Southern SARE administers seven grant programs, each with its own priorities and audiences. The process begins with the release of calls for proposals for each of the programs. The SSARE web site: www.southernsare.uga.edu is the quickest way to receive the calls for proposals as soon as they are released. If you prefer a mailed copy of any of the calls for proposals, contact Paige Patton at (770)412-4787 or info@southernsare.org
Producer Grant Projects are developed, coordinated and conducted by producers or producer organizations. These projects are generally located in one state, often on one farm.
There is a $10,000 limit for funding proposals submitted by an individual producer and a $15,000-limit on proposals. Deadline for submissions is November 17, 2008
On-Farm Research Projects are conducted by agricultural professionals such as extension agents, NRCS and/or NGO personnel who currently work with farmers and ranchers. Cooperators must include at least one producer at all stages of the project. Funded for a maximum of $15,000 for up to twoyears of activities.submitted by producer organizations. Deadline for submissions is November 17, 2008
Sustainable Community Innovation Projects link community development with sustainable agriculture. Level 1 funded for a project maximum of $10,000 anywhere in the Southern Region to farmers, ranchers, researchers, community organizations, environmentalists, ag and community development professionals, entrepreneurs, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Level 2 funded for $50,000 project maximum is open only to not-for-profit entitites in certain Southern Appalachian counties. Deadline for submissions is October 1, 2008
Research and Education Projects
(including Planning Grants) generally are conducted by interdisciplinary, multi-institutional,and often, multi-state research teams coordinated by a principal investigator from a non-governmental organization, university or governmental agency. These projects include farmers as participants. The deadline has passed for this year. Next year's call will be posted in March 2009.
SOUTHERN SARE PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
The objective of the SARE program is to enable the full spectrum of farmers and ranchers to move profitably toward production systems compatible with the concept of sustainable agriculture. Specific objectives include:
- Promote good stewardship of the nation's natural resources by providing site specific and profitable sustainable farming and ranching methods that strengthen agricultural competitiveness; satisfy human food and fiber needs; maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil; conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; protect endangered species; and maintain and improve the quality of surface and groundwater
- Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food/farm system
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers/ranchers and society as a whole, in part by increasing income and employment - especially profitable self-employment opportunities in agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, a major goal is to strengthen the family farm system of agriculture, a system characterized by small- and moderate-sized farms that are principally owner operated
- Promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification and the well-being of animals
- Strengthen rural communities by creating economic conditions, including value-added products that foster locally owned business and employment opportunities.