USDA invests over $46M in sustainable agriculture research and education
The USDA has invested more than $46 million in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.
The program, which began in 1988, funds farmer-driven grants and grassroots education programs resulting in climate-smart solutions for farms and ranches, according to a news release.
“This investment in sustainable agriculture underscores USDA’s ongoing commitment to transforming our food and agricultural systems,” Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA chief scientist and undersecretary for research, education and economics, said in the release. “Through this investment, SARE will continue to provide competitive grants and education programs that foster farmer-driven innovation to promote climate-smart practices, make sustainable producers more profitable, and improve local economies and the quality of life in rural communities.”
These 10-year awards are being made by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in four regional SARE host institutions and the National Reporting, Coordinating, and Communications Office (NRCCO), according to the release.
Grant recipients are the University of Minnesota (North Central SARE regional host institution); University of Vermont (Northeast SARE regional host institution); University of Georgia (Southern SARE regional host institution); Montana State University (Western SARE regional host institution); and University of Maryland (NRCCO).
“Sustainable agriculture is a high priority for NIFA across many of our programs as we seek to provide more profitable farm income, promote environmental stewardship and enhance quality of life for farm families and communities,” Dionne Toombs, acting director of USDA NIFA, said in the release. “In the last 35 years, with funding from NIFA, SARE has provided $380 million in grant funding for nearly 8,400 projects serving farmers, growers and rural communities.”
For more information, visit NIFA’s website.
