Southeast farmers and ranchers may apply for producer grants from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Producer grants give farmers and ranchers the opportunity to conduct their own two-year research projects to develop sustainable production and marketing practices. They are funded at up to $15,000 for individual farmers and $20,000 for farmer groups.
The goal of the grant program is to allow farmers to test, on a small scale, an idea, practice or technology as a solution to a production or marketing problem. The farmers evaluate whether the results sustainably address the problem and share how those efforts can benefit other farmers. Successful projects can then be applied by the farmer applicant or by others on a larger scale.
Applicants should submit proposed projects in one of the following focus areas:
- Beneficial Insect Habitat
- Alternative Crops/Animals
- Organic Agriculture
- Sustainable Marketing Projects
- Sustainable Grazing Systems
- Soil Organic Matter Building/Protection/Management
- Increasing Sustainability of Existing Farming Practices
- Appropriate Technology
- Agroforestry
Proposals will be accepted from applicants in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Applicants must complete a proposal describing their project and explaining how it will help other farmers or ranchers understand and adopt sustainable agriculture practices.
Farmers must have at least $1,000 in documented annual income from their operation. There is no restriction on farm size or the length of time an individual has been farming. Read more about the requirements before applying.
Before beginning a proposal, it is recommended to review “How to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch.”
The proposal submission deadline is Nov. 11. Submit proposals here.
Questions should be directed to the grant manager, Candace Pollock-Moore, at 770-412-4786.
Source: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program
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