The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive grant designed to support research and educational projects that advance environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems. This program aligns with the broader mission of sustainable agriculture by fostering projects that consider the interconnectedness of ecological health, economic prosperity, and social equity within agricultural practices. It serves as a vital mechanism for developing and disseminating knowledge that can lead to more resilient and equitable agricultural systems in the North Central Region.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are collaborative teams comprising scientists, farmers/ranchers, institutions, organizations, and educators. While the program primarily targets the North Central Region, pre-proposals from other SARE regions are accepted, provided that the project results predominantly benefit NCR agriculture. The impact goals are centered on improving the economic viability of farmers/ranchers and associated agricultural businesses, sustaining and enhancing environmental quality and natural resources, and enriching the quality of life for all stakeholders, including farmers/ranchers, rural and urban communities, and society at large.
The program prioritizes projects that explore sustainable agriculture through research or education/demonstration initiatives. There is no specific affiliation requirement for applicants, though proposals typically originate from university and extension staff, agricultural nonprofit organizations, and research farms. Successful projects are expected to contribute to all three of NCR-SARE's broad-based outcomes, which serve as the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change: economic viability, environmental quality, and enhanced quality of life. This holistic approach ensures that funded projects address multiple facets of sustainability.
Expected outcomes include the generation of new knowledge and practices that contribute to sustainable agriculture, the demonstration of innovative techniques, and the education of various stakeholders. The measurable results are tied to the achievement of the three broad-based outcomes, ultimately leading to more robust and sustainable food and fiber systems in the region. With approximately $3.75 million available to fund around 15 grant projects, individual grants are capped at $250,000 for projects lasting up to three years, providing substantial support for impactful work.
