Western SARE Releases Calls for Proposals

Taylor Hillman Industry News Release

Funding for Researchers, Ag Professionals, Producers, and Grad Students

The 2016 Calls for Proposals for five Western SARE grant programs have been released. Descriptions of each program and links to the full Call can be found at westernsare.org/Grants/Types-of-Grants.

The five grants programs include:

  • Research & Education pre-proposal
  • Professional Development
  • Farmer/Rancher
  • Professional + Producer
  • Graduate Student

Graduate Student projects are funded at a maximum of $25,000 and may last for up to two years. Those eligible to apply are masters or Ph.D. students enrolled full time. Proposals are due 1 pm MDT, May 11, 2016 with notification in August 2016.

Research & Education projects involve scientists, producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to address issues related to sustaining agriculture. Pre-proposals are due 1 pm MDT, June 1, 2016. Following scrutiny by a technical review panel, presenters of the best pre-proposals will be asked to submit full proposals, due in fall 2016 with notification in March 2017.

Professional Development projects focus on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. Proposals are due noon MDT, November 2, 2016 with notification in March 2017.

Farmer/Rancher projects are conducted by agricultural producers with support and guidance from a technical advisor. Producers typically use their grants to conduct on-site experiments with results that can be shared with other producers. Multiple farmers or associations may qualify for a higher level of funding.  Proposals are due 1 pm MDT, December 7, 2016 with notification in March 2017.

Professional + Producer projects are similar in concept to the Farmer/Rancher Grants with a few key differences. Instead of a producer serving as the project coordinator, an agricultural professional coordinates the project. Farmers or ranchers serve as project advisors. Proposals are due 1 pm MDT, December 7, 2016 with notification in March 2017.

The Western SARE Administrative Council will select reviewed proposals that are innovative, diverse in content, subject matter, and geography; demonstrate tangible outcomes; and provide readily adaptable technologies and information suitable to the adoption of sustainable farming and ranching systems by producers in the western region.

 

SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that functions through competitive grants conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers and agricultural professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.