Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/31/03
Contacts:
Jerry DeWitt, Department of Agronomy, (515) 294-1923
Julie Todd, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-2405
Grant Funds Available for Sustainable Agriculture in Iowa
AMES, Iowa - The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has funds available to support Iowa producers and ranchers interested in exploring sustainable agriculture.
"Iowa producers and ranchers have many ideas for projects that are economically profitable and environmentally sound, and SARE producer grants offer a way to apply these ideas, both locally and regionally," said Jerry DeWitt, Iowa State University sustainable agriculture extension coordinator.
Proposal topics may focus on developing new sustainable practices or on evaluating or adapting existing practices. Proposals also may create or expand on educational events such as field days and demonstrations to assist producers in maintaining sustainable and competitive operations. Details about grants can be found on SARE's Web site at http://www.sare.org/.
Competitive grants for up to $6,000 are available for projects conducted by individual producers or ranchers. Grants for up to $18,000 are available for producer groups, consisting of three or more separate organizations.
"The key elements of funded proposals are a good idea, a strong partnership and a willingness to share your information," said DeWitt. Projects should provide practical answers to producers' questions and identify specific problems and potential solutions.
Applications will be available February 3 and the deadline for receiving producer grant applications is March 28.
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.