Spring 1994 (v6n2)
	Sources of Funding Fertilizer Research Awards Requests for Proposals from the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Fertilizer Research and Education Program are now available. Funding will be available for projects directed toward the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizer materials. Proposals are due April 7, 1994. For details and to be put on this or future proposal request mailing lists, contact Jacques Franco or Debbie Scott at CDFA, (916) 654-0574 Organic Research Grants The Organic Farming Research Foundation is offering funds for organic farming methods research, dissemination of research results to organic farmers, and growers interested in making the transition to organic production systems, and education of the public about organic farming issues. Projects should involve farmers in both design and execution, and take place on working farms whenever possible and appropriate. Proposals of $3,000-$5,000 are encouraged. Most projects will be less than $10,000. Matching funds from other sources and/or in-kind contributions from cooperators are encouraged but not required. Proposals are considered twice a year. The next round of proposals must be received by July 31,1994. To receive copies of grant application procedures and the "OFRF Research and Education Priorities" which describes target areas. write Grants Program, Organic Farming Research Foundation, P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 or call (408) 426-6606. 'Train the Trainers' Grants Two Calls for Proposals aimed at educational institutions, nonprofit groups and farmers are expected to be released soon from the USDA-sponsored Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Individuals, groups and educators are being sought to help the Cooperative Extension Service train its agents in sustainable agriculture. The 1990 Farm Bill mandated that Extension Service and other USDA agency personnel increase their understanding and proficiency in sustainable agriculture; in 1993, for the first time, Congress approved funding for this provision. The $2.96 million allocated will establish training programs in each of the four USDA SARE regions. In the Western region, two CFPs will be released shortly: one for a regional coordinator of an envisioned educational network/consortium, and another for potential training projects. Development and oversight of the educational training "network," including the selection of the coordinator, will be handled by the current Western SARE administrative council and staff. Interested individuals and groups should contact the Western Region SARE office in Oakland at (510) 987-9862 to get on the mailing list for the expected CFPs. [ Back | Search | Feedback ]