On-Farm Research Grants
Virginia Tech researchers are exploring ways to sustainably control the brown marmorated stink bug in vegetable crops. Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech.
ATTENTION: When applying for this grant, please refer to the guidelines in the Call for Proposal and carefully follow the application procedures.
The Southern Region SARE program recognizes the value and importance of on-farm research in developing sustainable solutions to agricultural production problems. Just as S-SARE provides funding opportunities for farmers and ranchers through the Producer Grant program, we also offer funding opportunities to Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel, university researchers and non-governmental organizations who currently worth with farmers and conduct on-farm research with at least one farmer/rancher cooperato.
The On-Farm Research Grant program assists these individuals and organizations in conducting on-farm research or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture to help the farmers they work with find solutions to various agricultural production issues.
Cooperative Extension, NRCS, university personnel, governmental and non-governmental organizations who work with farmers and ranchers and are interested in conducting on-farm research or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture are eligible to apply for the On-Farm Research Grant.
Important: If you are a farmer/rancher or an organization of farmers/ranchers, you are not eligible to apply for an On-Farm Research Grant. You should apply under the SSARE Producer Grant program.
Who can a apply?
Extension, NRCS, and/or NGO personnel who currently work with farmers and ranchers.
What activities are eligible?
On-farm research and marketing projects that promote sustainable agriculture. Projects should be innovative, generate results that are useful beyond one year, and produce information that many farmers can use.
How much will the grants fund?
Project maximum is $15,000.
Successful proposals include:
- Cooperators. On-Farm Research Projects must include at least one farmer and/or rancher project cooperator.
- An outreach plan for providing producers, researchers, and Extension personnel with an opportunity to learn from project results. Outreach plans may include workshops, field days, fact sheets, or brochures.
- Clear goals. Clear and simple goals help ensure a successful project.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Projects must include at least one farmer/rancher project cooperator.
2. Projects may be funded up to TWO years for a project maximum of $15,000.
USE OF FUNDS
On-Farm Research Grant funds may be used for the following purposes:
1. Costs of sampling and sample analysis,
2. Materials and supplies needed for the project
3. Outreach expenses such as holding a field day,
4. Travel (maximum 51 cents/mile) needed for the project,
5. Hired labor, including farmer/rancher labor beyond their normal farming duties,
6. Refreshments at field days.
On-Farm Research Grant funds may NOT be used for the following purposes:
1. Starting or expanding a farm, farming operation or NGO,
2. Equipment.
3. Permanent improvements to a farm or ranch, e.g. planting an orchard, buying a herd, permanent fencing, permanent irrigation, permanent greenhouses or buildings,
4. Lunches or other full meals at field days or large gatherings,
5. Testing of commercial products
