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November 2, 2001
Texas farmers and ranchers eligible for USDA's SARE grants
Many Texas farmers and ranchers may not know it, but they are eligible for grants of up to $15,000 from USDA's Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education (SARE) program.
"This is a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to develop solutions to sustainable agriculture production problems," said Marty Baker, Texas Cooperative Extension horticulturist and SARE state coordinator.
The grants are a win-win proposition, Baker said. The SARE program administrators gain knowledge of projects based on producer experience and needs. Producers get funding to perform research on topics in which they have personal experience and interest.
Any producer in Texas is eligible for the grants. SARE has identified five overall goals as grant priorities: limited-resource farmers, environmental issues/ecology, organic agriculture, marketing and emerging issues in agriculture.
Agricultural producers are eligible for two types of grants—the "Producer Grant" and the "On-Farm Research Grant." Both focus on nine areas, including beneficial insect habitats, alternative crops or animals, organic agriculture, sustainable marketing projects, sustainable grazing systems, soil organic matter building, increasing the sustainability of existing farming practices, appropriate technology and agro-forestry/water quality.
The Producer Grants may be for as much as $10,000 for an individual or $15,000 for a producer organization.
It's possible that proposals from individual farmers, ranchers and producer organizations may qualify for these grants without involvement by Extension, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station or other educational or research organizations. But in practice, involvement by a research or educational professional helps, Baker said.
"For farmers, teaming with their local county Extension agent or an Extension specialist can give them a competitive edge in writing the proposal and planning the project," he said.
The deadline for both types of grants is Jan. 25, 2002.
The On-Farm Research Grants may amount to as much as $15,000.
Farmers may partner with a professional agricultural research or educational professional, but because it is a research grant and subject to review by research committees, these grants must be developed and coordinated by Extension, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service or a non-government organization that works with farmers and ranchers. The on-farm research must involve at least three farm or ranch cooperators.
The grant money can be used to develop and conduct on-farm research in practically any agricultural venue.
More Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education information and forms can be found on-line at: http://www.griffin.peachnet.edu/sare .
Those who do not have access to the Internet may contact Baker, SARE State Coordinator, P.O. Box 38, Overton, Texas 75684.
Baker's phone is (903) 834-6191.
