Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

The purpose of the SARE program, under assistance listing 10.215, is to encourage research and extension projects designed to increase knowledge concerning agricultural production systems that: (1) maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil; (2) conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; (3) maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water; (4) protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system; (5) promote the well-being of animals; and (6) increase employment opportunities in agriculture. For purposes of this program, sustainable agriculture is defined by section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension/outreach and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 USC 3103(19)) as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that over the long-term will satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm and ranch operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and ranchers and society as a whole.

Land-grant colleges or universities, other universities, State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with demonstrable expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities.

NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, each application is reviewed to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in the NOFO. Second, a peer-review process will be used to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of applications that have meet the administrative requirements. After each peer review panel has completed deliberations, the responsible NIFA program staff will either recommend an application for support from available funds or decline an application due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

Fiscal year 2025: The four SARE Host Institutions are currently running their regional grant programs to select projects utilizing FY25 funding. Example projects selected for FY25 funding will be provided by program at a future date. Several examples of similar types of regional projects from FY24 funding are provided below. An example of a Research and Education project from the North Central region - Optimizing Water and Nitrogen Requirements with Cover Crops for Sustainable and Profitable Irrigated Cropping Systems. An example of a Farmer/Rancher grant from the Northeast region - Forced Air Cooling for Moisture Control on Fresh Wild Blueberries. An example of a Graduate Student grant from the Western region - The impact of colony food reserves on honey bee foraging distance and seed crop isolation.