Grants
One Program.....Seven Grant Opportunities
NOTE: Be aware that our grants are for research, education and outreach purposes only. They are not for beginning farmers nor are they intended to pay a farmer to farm, start a farm, buy land, or make capital investments or farm improvements. They are designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a sustainable ag solution to a current farm issue. If you are interested in implementing sustainable agriculture techniques on your farm, you may be eligible for one of our grants. Read on!
SOUTHERN SARE PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
The objective of the SARE program is to enable the full spectrum of farmers and ranchers to move profitably toward production systems compatible with the concept of sustainable agriculture. Specific objectives include:
• Promote good stewardship of the nation's natural resources by providing site specific and profitable sustainable farming and ranching methods that strengthen agricultural competitiveness; satisfy human food and fibre needs; maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil; conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; protect endangered species; and maintain and improve the quality of surface and groundwater;
• Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food/farm system;
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers/ranchers and society as a whole, in part by increasing income and employment - especially profitable self-employment opportunities in agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, a major goal is to strengthen the family farm system of agriculture, a system characterized by small- and moderate-sized farms that are principally owner operated;
• Promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification and the well-being of animals, and;
• Strengthen rural communities by creating economic conditions, including value-added products that foster locally owned business and employment opportunities.
Southern SARE administers seven separate grants, each with its own priorities and audiences.
There is an online guide that describes our granting process for those who want to know more about what goes on behind the scenes.
The process begins with the release of Calls for Proposals for each of the grants. If after reading a call, if you still have questions about whether that grant is best for your ideas, contact Candace Pollock.
