The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program offers four different grant programs to explore innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, all with application deadlines are in the late fall and early winter.

Several different types of grants are available—

Sustainable Community Grants are for projects that connect farming and economic development. Projects can address issues like land use, nutrition, employment, markets, education, public policy, and other facets of rural development. Applicants must be affiliated with an organization such as a community nonprofit, Cooperative Extension, local government, an educational institution, a planning board, farming cooperative, or an incorporated citizens group. This grant is offered in partnership with the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development. Awards are capped at $10,000, and the application deadline is November 28.

This year, Northeast SARE will also offer the Appalachian Initiative as part of its Sustainable Community program. Applicants in West Virginia and selected counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York can seek funds for innovative farm-based renewable energy projects and for adding value to farm products. This grant is offered in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission. Awards are capped at $25,000, and the deadline is November 28.

Partnership Grants are for Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and other service providers 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. Awards are capped at $10,000 and the deadline is December 5.

Farmer Grants are for commercial farmers who would like to test a sustainable new practice, often by conducting an experiment, trial, or on-farm demonstration. Projects can explore a wide range of topics such as pest management, soil health, renewable energy, adding value, marketing, or new production techniques, and funds can be used for materials and to pay farmers for their time. The application is straightforward and comes with a how-to guide that gives examples from past applications. Awards are capped at $10,000 and the deadline is December 22.

For more information, visit the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program webpage or call 802-656-0471. (courtesy Watershed Alliance of York County)

9/29/2006