SARE Grants
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and outreach program.
What is SARE and what does it fund?
SARE is divided into four regions with the Southern SARE program operating under the cooperative agreements of University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Southern SARE supports sustainable agriculture efforts in 13 states and two U.S. territories.
Southern SARE funds several different competitive grant programs, and each type of grant benefits a specific target audience.
Who is eligible for a SARE grant?
SARE grants are open to farmers/ranchers, researchers, educators, graduate students, government agencies, community groups, non-profit organizations, NGOs, and agribusinesses. To view projects awarded in Arkansas, visit our SARE Funded Projects page. Reading through other project reports can help you understand the types of projects SARE funds before you submit a grant yourself.
Producer Grants enable farmers and ranchers to test a sustainable agriculture idea using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique.
September: Call for Proposals released
November: Proposals due
March: Grants awarded
On-Farm Research Grants provide opportunities for agriculture professionals working directly with farmers and ranchers on sustainable agriculture efforts.
September: Call for Proposals released
December: Proposals due
March: Grants awarded
Research and Education Grants encourage a systems approach to sustainable agriculture. They are mainly designed for teams of interdisciplinary researchers.
March: Call for Pre-proposals
June: Pre-proposals due
August: Selected pre-proposals invited to submit full proposals
November: Full proposals due
February: Grants awarded
Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices.
May: Call for Proposals released
August: Proposals due
February: Grants awarded
Professional Development Program Grants further education and outreach strategies
for professionals and educators who work directly with farmers and ranchers.
July: Call for Pre-proposals
August: Pre-proposals due
October: Selected pre-proposals invited to submit full proposals
November: Full proposals due
February: Grants awarded
Graduate Student Grants provide sustainable ag research opportunities for Master's and PhD students.
February: Call for Proposals released
May: Proposals due
August: Grants awarded
For general inquiries on SSARE grants, sustainable agriculture or educational publications, email ssare@uga.edu. For more specific questions regarding the SSARE program, contact the SSARE staff.