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Grant
Opportunities
The Farmer/Rancher
Program Grants, Marketing Systems Grants, Organic Systems Grants
Deadline October 1
The Farmer/Rancher Grants Program allows producers and producer
groups along with agricultural professionals, residing in the Western
U.S. to compete for grants to identify, evaluate and test sustainable
agriculture practices and challenges. Individuals can apply for
up to $7.500; producer groups (three or more farm/ranch operations
working cooperatively) can apply for up to $15,000. All proposals
must have at least one producer. You are a producer if your primary
occupation is farming; you have a farm tax number; you derive a
substantial part of your income from farming. Grant reviewers look
for projects that clearly define local sustainable agriculture problems
or propose innovative solutions. On-farm tests of technologies and
approaches are encouraged. Examples of funded projects include:
1) Oregon ranchers are conducting education on stock-handling methods
that reduce stress on cows and ranchers; 2) a New Mexico pecan grower
is testing subsurface drip irrigation on his trees; 3) a Colorado
rancher is assessing whether chickens can be grown on his pasture;
4) a Hawaii hog producer is test marketing lower quality pork cuts
with restaurants. Calls for proposals for Farmer/Rancher Research
Grants are due for submission in October. For more information and
an application, visit http://wsare.usu.edu/subpages/callfp.htm
Research and Education Program Grants Deadline June
This grant program provides funds to scientist and educators to
increase the understanding of integrated systems of plant and animal
production. Proposals must increase producer knowledge and understanding
of sustainable agriculture and demonstrate success in meeting the
program goals of Western SARE. Projects can address economic, production,
mechanical, social, biological and /or institutional/policy components.
Organizational diversity is encouraged. Producers must be actively
involved in planning, implementation and educational outreach. Deadline
for pre-proposals is June. Applications can be viewed at http://wsare.usu.edu/subpages/callfp.htm
Professional Development Program Grants
Deadline October
The professional development program addresses the educational needs
of agricultural professionals to improve their ability to conduct
educational programs and activities and respond to inquiries from
farmers, ranches and the public regarding sustainable agriculture.
Projects must be aimed at helping Cooperative Extension Service,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other appropriate agency
personnel and agricultural professionals within the Western Region,
to increase their understanding and proficiency in sustainable agriculture.
Cooperative Learning opportunities involving both producers and
agency professionals are strongly encouraged. Projects are encouraged
that include case studies, education in methods of participatory
research and education, demonstration or tours of successful sustainable
enterprises, development of materials, and interactive conferencing.
The maximum amount of PDP funds for one-year project is $30,000
and $60,000 for two. More funds are available for multi state and
regional projects. The application can be downloaded at http://wsare.usu.edu/subpages/callfp.htm
Ag Professional
and Producer Grants
Deadline: October
A critical part of the Western SARE program is to enable producers,
along with ag professionals, to test their ideas about sustainable
agriculture. The goal is to achieve measurable results that farmers
and ranchers can utilize to improve income, the environment and
community. Equally important is to provide opportunities for ag
professionals to expand their knowledge base and expertise in the
field of sustainable agriculture and to share these ideas and results
with others. The proposal must include an ag professional, a producer,
and an outreach plan. Grants are available for a maximum of $7,500.
The application and additional information can be viewed at http://wsare.usu.edu/subpages/callfp.htm
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