The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) 2025 On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in conducting applied, on-farm research that enhances sustainable agricultural practices across the Southern U.S. This grant provides funding for professionals such as Cooperative Extension agents, university specialists, and non-governmental or governmental organizations (e.g., NRCS) who work closely with farmers. The primary focus is on research that addresses practical production or marketing challenges in sustainable agriculture, fostering collaboration between researchers and farmers. Farmer or rancher participation is required, and eligible producers must have documented annual farm income of at least $1,000.
The grant awards up to $30,000 for projects lasting two years, covering expenses such as salaries, supplies, equipment rentals, temporary structures (e.g., electric fences), travel, and outreach activities (e.g., field days or workshops). Indirect costs are capped at 10% of total direct costs or the institution’s federally negotiated rate, whichever is lower. Excluded expenses include capital equipment, permanent structures, international travel, and commercial product testing. Proposals must outline a detailed project budget and justify each cost in the budget narrative. Matching funds are not required, but indirect costs are limited and must adhere to specific guidelines.
Research projects must align with Southern SARE’s sustainability objectives, focusing on areas such as soil health, beneficial insect habitats, alternative crops, organic agriculture, sustainable grazing, and appropriate agricultural technologies. The research should contribute to environmentally sound, economically viable farming methods that improve quality of life for producers and communities. An outreach plan is required to disseminate project results widely within the farming community through workshops, publications, or digital media, ensuring the knowledge gained benefits a broad audience.
Applicants are encouraged to review the technical bulletin "How to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch" for guidance on experimental design, data collection, and analysis. They must submit proposals online by noon EST on November 22, 2024. The selection process includes a technical review by a committee assessing the relevance to sustainable agriculture, applicant qualifications, inclusion of farmer cooperators, budget appropriateness, and a robust outreach plan. Proposals with strong scores are then reviewed by the SARE Administrative Council for final funding recommendations, with award decisions announced in February 2025.
Successful applicants will sign a contract with Southern SARE and agree to conduct the outlined activities, providing Southern SARE with annual progress and final reports. Any significant modifications to the budget or project plan require prior approval. For guidance on allowable costs or budget-related inquiries, applicants can contact SARE representatives for clarification. The Southern SARE program operates under the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and collaborates with institutions like the University of Georgia and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture to advance sustainable farming practices in the Southern U.S.
