Funding-USDA- Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE); June 3, 2013

Description

The Southern Region USDA Program on Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is requesting pre-proposals for systems research and education activities that address issues of sustainable agriculture of current and potential importance to the region and nation. 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 fibre 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, and;

•Strengthen rural communities by creating economic conditions, including value-added products that foster locally owned business and employment opportunities.

Proposals must address one of the priority areas identified by the SARE Administrative Council: 1) limited resource farmers; 2) organic farming systems; 3) environmentally sound practices/agricultural ecosystems; 4) marketing/economic development; 5) policy, program evaluation, and quality of life; 6) women in sustainable agriculture.

Closing Date: June 3, 2013- required pre-proposal

Link to Full Announcement

http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant

Contact Information

Jeff Jordan                                                                    

SSARE Director                                                                       

(770) 412-4788                                                              

John Mayne

SSARE Assistant Director

(828) 626-2680