Farmers and ranchers throughout the southern region can now apply for grants available through the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, Dr. Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, said.
“SARE’s Producer Grants allow producers and ranchers to conduct sustainable research projects that solve agricultural production challenges,” Dr. English said. “The idea is to develop information on what works and what doesn’t so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project. The grants take some of the financial risk away from trying out a solution to an agricultural production issue.”
According to a SARE press release, the proposal submission deadline is Friday, November 8, at 12 p.m. EST. Announcement of funded grants will take place in late February 2025. The maximum funding amount for a Producer Grant is $20,000 for individual farmers/ranchers and $25,000 for farmer/rancher organizations. The amount will be paid to a grantee as a reimbursement once invoices and receipts are submitted for allowable project expenses.
Producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm, buy livestock, equipment or land, make permanent farm improvements or support private enterprises through capital investments.
The Producer Grant Call for Proposals includes all the information needed to apply for a grant, including information on what funds can be used for, proposal submission instructions and contact information.
“Producers and ranchers must make sure to carefully follow the information in the call for proposals when submitting their proposals,” Dr. English said. “Failure to follow the submission guidelines will result in your proposal being rejected.”
Visit http://www.southern.sare.org for more information on the SARE program and sustainable agriculture.
