Current Programs
Farmer Grant opportunities with Northeast SARE
Have you got an interesting idea? If you do, the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has two grant offerings specifically meant for one- or perhaps two-year projects that explore new ideas in sustainable agriculture. Farmers, and the service providers who work directly with farmers, are eligible to apply. Application materials are on the web at www.nesare.org, and you can request applications in print by calling 802/656-0471.
A specific person who can help with the application process is Carol Delaney, Northeast SARE's new Farmer Grant specialist. Carol joined the Northeast SARE staff on October 1, and she brings with her more than ten years of work as the small ruminant dairy specialist for the University of Vermont. Her familiarity with livestock will be a plus when working with farmers with animals, and she will also draw on her years of visiting all types of farms and reviewing production methods from when she worked for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. If you have specific questions on the Farmer Grant application process, contact her at 802/656-0697 or by email at carol.delaney@uvm.edu.
Specific questions about the Partnership Grant can go to the SARE office at 802/656-0471 or you can send e-mail to nesare@uvm.edu.
Farmer Grants
The goal of the Farmer Grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to increase awareness and adoption of innovative ideas developed by farmers across the region. To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region. You need not be farming full time, but your operation should have an established crop or animal product that you sell on a regular basis. Awards are capped at $10,000, and applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, December 16, 2008; awards will be announced in March of 2009.
We offer a detailed guide to developing a Farmer Grant application, with examples and explanations of what makes a strong proposal, in the form of a 44-page booklet, How to Write a SARE Farmer Grant Application. We also have a checklist for Farmer Grant technical advisors and a tip sheet specifically for extension agents available in print and on the web site.
Partnership Grants
The Partnership Grant is for service providers who work directly with farmers' specifically Cooperative Extension, NRCS, state departments of agriculture, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, veterinarians, consultants, and other advisors in the farm community. These projects develop on-farm demonstration, research, or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture.
The purpose of the Partnership Grant is to build knowledge farmers can use and to encourage the understanding and widespread use of sustainable techniques. Awards are capped at $10,000, and applications must be postmarked by December 9, 2008. Awards will be announced in March of 2009.
To learn more about Northeast SARE, visit the web site at www.nesare.org or call 802/656-0471.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) anticipates a new funding opportunity called the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). To support the nation's beginning farmers and ranchers, the BFRDP will make competitive grants to new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives that address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers. Please see http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/reporting/stakeholder/bfrdp.html for more information about the BFRDP.
Renewable energy grants are available for farmers.
You can find details on applying at
http://www.vermontagriculture.com/energy/grants.html
Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program 2009
Request for Applications (RFA) Announcement
The Northeast Center for Risk Management Education, located at the University of Delaware, announces a funding opportunity for educational projects designed to help agricultural producers succeed through targeted risk management strategies. Grant awards will fund 18-month projects conducted between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. The Pre-Proposal closing date is Thursday, December 11, 2008.
Eligibility: Applications are sought from qualified public and private groups, organizations, and institutions with a demonstrated capacity to develop and manage educational projects that create risk management results for agricultural producers and their families. The Northeast Center serves the region which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.
Application Process: The application process consists of two stages which are each conducted online. The first is a brief Pre-Proposal, followed by a more detailed Full Proposal for those applicants who are invited to proceed to the second stage.
For more information and to view the complete Request for Applications, please go to the link on the Northeast Center's website (www.necrme.org). Questions or comments regarding the RFA may be directed to Dr. H. Don Tilmon (htilmon@udel.edu, 302-831-1325) or Susan Olson (sbolson@udel.edu, 302-831-6540).
Ongoing Programs
USDA Rural Development
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Grant funding available to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. Nationally, $23 million in competitive grants funds are available to fund the purchase of RE systems and installation of energy efficiency improvements. 25% grants up to $500,000 for eligible projects. Renewable sources can include energy derived from wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal sources; or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using those same sources. For efficiency projects, a minimum 15% energy conservation is required.
Contact: Lyn Millhiser, Business and Cooperative Programs Specialist,
USDA Rural Development - VT and NH, Third Floor City Center
89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
802-828-6069
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm
Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, (SARE)
Offer farmer/grower grants; research and education grants; professional development grants, and sustainable farmer educator grants
www.uvm.edu/~nesare
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Agriculture categories include:
