With the support of the United States Department of Agriculture’s North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, Iowa State University Extension is offering three mini-grants for research and travel related to sustainable agriculture. The funds may be used during 2005 and 2006. A focus of consideration will be whether the grant will benefit otherwise underserved audiences. The deadline for all applications is Oct. 1, 2005.

Professional Research mini-grants provide $400 to aid research in sustainable agriculture by producers, ag-educators and extension staff. Each application must include the project title; a brief description of the project; intended audience or clients; a  schedule for the project including a completion date; a statement outlining the goals of the project; and a statement of relevance of the proposed project.

Professional Travel mini-grants provide $300 to offset travel costs to sustainable agriculture events by producers, ag-educators and extension staff. To be eligible, all proposed events must support environmental stewardship, economic and social sustainability (e.g., support for families and communities). Examples of eligible activities include travel to conferences, workshops and field days; sites to provide information regarding sustainable agriculture to otherwise underserved audiences; and sites to assist producer-processor network formation.

Student Research mini-grants provide $250 to aid sustainable agriculture research by junior and senior high school students. Each application must include the goal(s) of the research; the manner in which the funds provided will be used; how the project relates to sustainable agriculture; how the recipient will use the knowledge; who will assist or help guide the project; and the signature of parent/guardian for approval.

All grant recipients must be willing to serve as a resource for future sustainable agriculture events sponsored by Iowa State University. Reimbursements will be issued by Iowa State University after the recipient provides the required report and valid documentation of eligible expenditures.

Proposals may be submitted to Jerry DeWitt by e-mail at jdewitt@iastate.edu or by mail, 2104 Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011.