NCR-SARE: Research and Education Grant

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

Background
The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that explore and promote environmentally sound, profitable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems.
Research and Education projects include a strong outreach component and significant farmer/rancher or other end-user involvement from the inception of the idea through the implementation of the project. Generally:
Research and Education grant awards range from $10,000 to $250,000.Projects may last up to 36 months or may choose to propose a long-term project.Collaborative teams build research and Education grants.Producers are key participants in grant activities.Coordinators are encouraged to explore social, environmental, AND economic aspects of whole systems.All projects include a strong outreach component.
Sample Topics
Many projects are interdisciplinary and/or multi-institutional, involving a broad range of agricultural interests. Project coordinators in the past have explored sustainable agriculture under the following topics:
Sustainable pest and weed mgmt.Marketing and local food systemsWater quality and nutrient mgmt.Systems researchHigh tunnels and season extensionCrop diversificationCover crops and soil healthSmall ruminants/poultry/cattlePastured livestock/grazing systemsPollinators and biodiversityUrban agriculture