Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/25/00
Contacts:
Jerry DeWitt, Department of Agronomy, (515) 294-1923
Julie Todd, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-2405
USDA Grant Funds Available For Iowa Producers
AMES, Iowa -- The USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has funds available to support on-farm research, demonstration and education in sustainable agriculture in the North Central region. Iowa farmers and ranchers are encouraged to apply.
"There are many good ideas across Iowa farms that need to be explored and shared with other producers," said Jerry DeWitt, Iowa State University sustainable agriculture extension coordinator. Project topics can be in vegetable, field crop, or livestock systems, or in other areas that may help producers to have more sustainable and competitive operations. SARE has funded 27 farmer/rancher projects in Iowa since 1992. Check the database at www.sare.org/san/projects/search.html to get more information on Iowa-funded projects.
This year, $350,000 is available for grants. "This will be a record amount available for producers for this program," said DeWitt. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for individual producers and up to $15,000 for groups of three or more producers. "The key elements are a good idea, a strong partnership and a willingness to share your information," said DeWitt.
Applications are due April 28, 2000, and funding decisions will be made in late June. For more information on SARE grants or to receive a producer grant application form, contact Jerry DeWitt, Department of Agronomy, 2104 Agronomy Hall, ISU, Ames, Iowa 50011 or call (515) 294-1923.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.