BURLINGTON, Vt. — The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program is seeking applications for 2020 Farmer Grant projects. Proposals are due online by Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. ET. Funded projects will be announced and may begin in late February 2020.
Farmer Grants provide research funds for commercial farms to explore new ideas in almost any aspect of production, marketing and other topics that influence successful farming in the 12 Northeast states and the District of Columbia. Reviewers look for innovation, potential for improved sustainability and results that will be useful to other farmers.
Application materials, including detailed instructions and supporting documents, are posted on the Northeast SARE website at www.northeastsare.org/FarmerGrant. Questions about the grant program should be directed to Carol Delaney, grant program coordinator, at carol.delaney@uvm.edu.
Northeast SARE will host a free Farmer Grant webinar on Oct. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. Delaney will provide information on program eligibility, how to apply, types of projects, SARE funds, allowable expenses and more. She will be joined by Farmer Grant recipient Jordan Kramer of Winnegance Oyster Farm in Portland, Maine, who will share his experiences with the program. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing. To register, visit http://go.uvm.edu/farmergrant20.
Farmer Grant projects must be conducted in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia or Washington, D.C. Awards are capped at $15,000, and projects may address the wide range of issues that affect farming in the Northeast. Applicants must work with a technical advisor–typically a Cooperative Extension educator, Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, nonprofit organization employee, private crop consultant, veterinarian or other service provider–who provides support and advice to the farmer applicant.
Northeast SARE is a competitive grants program aimed at advancing agricultural innovation that promotes profitability, stewardship of the land, air and water, and quality of life for farmers and their communities. Our programs are offered to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. SARE is funded by USDA NIFA.
–Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program