Summer, 1996 (v8n3)

SAREP Grants

For the ninth year, UC SAREP is offering funding for research and education grants that lead to production or policy alternatives for the agricultural community which support environmentally and economically sound production and food systems. This year SAREP is offering approximately $200,000 in grant money for crop or livestock production options; environment and natural resources; marketing, consumer education and community food systems; and labor, land use and other community development and public policy issues. Small grants are being offered for graduate student support ($2,000 per individual) and educational meetings ($1,000 per meeting). The deadline for applications is August 1, 1996. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is available by mail or via the World Wide Web (http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu). The RFP has been sent to everyone on SAREP's mailing list. If you have not received an RFP, contact SAREP at (916) 752-7556 or e-mail the office at sarep@ucdavis.edu

USDA-SARE Western Region

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, SARE, program has set July 23, 1996 as the start date for three of its competitive grants efforts, including:

• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, SARE, grants for sustainable agriculture research; Deadline: October 29, 1996.The SARE grants program continues to target funding to whole-farm/ranch systems projects that increase understanding and adoption of sustainable agriculture. Projects qualify as whole-system research by addressing weak links or information gaps in a system, or by assessing the multiple impacts of different components of agricultural systems.
• Agriculture in Concert with the Environment, ACE (a joint venture of USDA and the US-EPA), grants for research on agricultural practices that minimize environmental effects and hazards; Deadline: October 29, 1996. The ACE program is requesting proposals for research and education projects that will lead to reduced environmental stress from agricultural practices. Priority issues for ACE funding in the Western Region will likely include irrigated agriculture; nutrient management; environmentally-sound multiple land uses; and animal waste management.
• Professional Development Program grants to develop materials and approaches to help
  Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service and other professionals expand their understanding of sustainable agriculture. Deadline: November 26, 1996. The professional development program is asking for project proposals that will improve the ability of Cooperative Extension, NRCS and other agricultural professionals to conduct educational programs and activities in sustainable agriculture. Project subject matter can deal with any agricultural endeavor, and may include material on the effects of sustainable practices on the quality of life for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Projects can be designed for agents working in production agriculture, 4H/youth development or other areas.

Note: For information on any of the three grant proposals, call the Western SARE office at Utah State University at (801) 797-3537 to add your name/institution to the distribution list for Calls for Proposals, or to request application materials after July 23, 1996. For other information, contact Kristen Kelleher, communications specialist (916) 752-5987; kkelleher@ucdavis.edu. The regional call for research proposals from area producers or producer groups is not set for release until November 5, 1996. However, please feel free to contact the Western SARE office to add your name to the specialized mailing list for western farmers and ranchers. The Western Region includes Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Micronesia, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, N. Mariana Islands, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Organic Research Grants

The Organic Farming Research Foundation is offering funds for organic farming research, dissemination of research results to organic farmers and growers interested in making the transition to organic production, and consumer education on organic farming issues. Projects should involve farmers in design and execution, and take place on working farms when possible. Proposals of $3,000-$5,000 are encouraged. Matching funds and/or in-kind contributions are recommended. Proposals are considered twice a year; the next round of proposals must be received by July 15, 1996. To receive copies of grant application procedures and the OFRF Research and Education Priorities describing target areas, write Grants Program, Organic Farming Research Foundation, PO Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Tel: (408) 426-6606.