Advancing Sustainable Ag Innovations

1. Advancing Sustainable Ag Innovations Southern SARE Funding Opportunities: Producer Grants www.southernsare.org

2. Who is SARE? www.southernsare.org Stands for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Authorized in the 1985 Farm Bill and is part of USDA’s NIFA program Our goal is to support farmers, researchers and educators as they explore sustainable ag practices Primary tool is grants

3. How SARE Works www.southernsare.org Regionally administered; we support 13 states and two territories in the Southern region Host institutions: UGA, FVSU, Kerr Center Participatory Inclusive Administrative Council sets research priorities, releases grant calls for proposals, and reviews/selects grants

4. Defining Sustainable Agriculture • SARE’s three broad goals, known as the Pillars of Sustainability • Profit over the long term • Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and water • Quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities These goals must be considered when applying for a grant. www.southernsare.org

5. What is sustainability anyway? • Build on the three pillars of: • Environmental stewardship • Social responsibility • Economic viability • Tangible measures – some example “metrics” • Environmental – soil is one component • Soil loss vs. productivity • Social – working conditions vs. fatalities/injuries • Economic – land tenure and incentives

6. Why Measure Sustainability? • Establish benchmarks, measure the level of sustainability, • Are we making progress? • Public policy analysis • Comparing farms – a touchy issue! • Provide guidance to buyers

7. The level of sustainability is communicated to buyers through: Brands: Organic Valley? Dean’s Milk? Ben & Jerry’s? Graeter’s Ice Cream; Laura’s Lean Beef Certifications Organic; Fair Trade; Amer. Grassfed; Certified Naturally Grown; Sustainability Metrics ??? Relationships Your local farmer, processor

8. Our Grant Opportunities Nationally, SARE has provided funding support for over 5,000 sustainable ag research projects. In the Southern region, we’ve awarded over $46 million in grants for over 800 proposals. www.southernsare.org

9. Grant Types - overview • Research and Education Grants • Typically $100,000 to $200,000 • Pre-proposals due in June • Professional Development Grants • Typically $30,000 to about $80,000 • Pre-proposals due in June • Grad Student Grants • Up to $10,000 • Due in June • Producer and On-Farm Grants • Due in November www.southernsare.org

10. Producer and On-Farm Grants (2 of the 7 grant types) • For farmers and ranchers interested in conducting on-farm sustainable agriculture research to solve farming and ranching challenges. • Awards up to $10,000 for individuals, and $15,000 for farmer organizations. • Up to two years. • Include a diverse range of sustainable ag topics. Examples include trap crops, cover crops, multi-species grazing, innovative marketing, beneficial insects. • Example projects: • Mushroom Production on 100% Waste Substrate • Insect Exclusion Using Woven Shade Cloth • Switchgrass as Beneficial Insect Habitat and Compost www.southernsare.org

11. On-Farm Grant – Ky. example • Morgan Co., Ky – Sweet potato enterprise • Parts: • Production practices • Technical skills – extension agent and specialist • Marketing • Cooperation • Outcomes: • Producer skills • Higher incomes • Long term enterpise • Marketing opportunities www.southernsare.org

12. What We Fund What We Don’t Fund • Fund • Cost of sampling • Materials or supplies • Outreach expenses • Travel for the project • Hired labor • Refreshments for outreach • Don’t Fund • Buying equipment or land • Starting a farm • Permanent farm improvements • Lunches or other full meals • Testing commercial products Download the Call for Proposals to learn more: http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant www.southernsare.org

13. Interested in Submitting a Proposal? Tips to Consider Don’t be afraid to discuss your idea with others Ask other people to look at your proposal before submitting it. Ask Questions • Farmer/Cooperator collaboration • Download and READ the Call for Proposals BEFORE applying • Develop clear goals • Plan and prepare; don’t wait until the last minute www.southernsare.org

14. Know More www.southernsare.org • SARE offers more than grants • Learning Center: National publications, including facts sheets, bulletins and books • Regional educational resources and newsletters • SARE program materials • Grantee project products • Videos • Topic Rooms • SARE listserv

15. To Learn More, Visit: http://www.sare.orgttp://www.southernsare.org E-mail: ssare@uga.edu Contact one of your SARE state coordinators: Lee Meyer – lee.meyer@uky.edu Marion Simon - marion.simon@kysu.edu Look for us at conferences, workshops and other events