Farmer grants are for commercial farmers who would like to explore a new practice or idea, often by conducting an experiment, trial, or on-farm demonstration. Projects can explore a wide range of topics such as pest management, soil health, adding value, marketing, or new production techniques, and funds can be used to pay for the farmer's time and for materials specific to the project. The application deadline is December 18.
Partnership Grants are for Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and other agricultural professionals who work directly with farmers. Partnership Grants support on-farm research and demonstration projects in sustainable agriculture, and funds can be used to pay for personnel, materials, sampling, supplies, testing, and to compensate cooperating farmers for their time. The application deadline is December 4.
Sustainable Community grants are for projects that connect farming and rural economic development. Projects can address issues like finance, marketing, land and water use, enterprise development, adding value to farm products, or farm labor. Applicants must be affiliated with an organization such as a community nonprofit, Cooperative Extension, local government, an educational institution, a planning board, a farming cooperative, or an incorporated citizens' group. This grant is offered in partnership with the Northeast Center for Rural Development, and the application deadline is November 27.
Applications are posted on the Northeast SARE web site at www.uvm.edu/~nesare, or call 802/656-0471 to request a printed copy. The Northeast SARE region is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
For more information: Helen Husher publications and public information Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Tuesday and Thursday: Hills Building 105 Carrigan Drive University of Vermont Burlington VT 05405 802/656-0554
Monday and Wednesday: 35 Loomis St. Montpelier, VT 05602 802/223-7923
For more information contact Northeast SARE
Email: nesare@uvm.edu
Phone: 802/656-0471