Fall 1995 (v7n4)
USDA Western Region SARE/ACE Grants
Note: There are EARLY release and due dates in the next granting cycle for four programs of the USDA-sponsored Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and Agriculture in Concert with the Environment (ACE) programs. Contact the Western Region SARE Host Institution, 1500 North East 800, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-2310; Tel: (801) 797-3537; Fax: (801) 797-4002, to be put on the mailing list for all Calls for Proposals or to ask questions about SARE (Chapter 1), ACE, or Farmer/Rancher Research Grants.
SARE and ACE research grants:
A Call for Proposals has been issued for SARE and ACE projects. The SARE program is funded through USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, under Chapter 1 of Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990. Proposals funded through SARE should promote good stewardship of the nation's natural resources by providing site specific and profitable sustainable farming and ranching methods that strengthen agricultural competitiveness; maintain and enhance soil; conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; protect the health of people and animals involved in agriculture and enhance the quality of life and employment in rural communities; and examine the regional, economic, social and environmental implications of the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and systems. The ACE Program is funded jointly by the Pollution Prevention Office of EPA and the SARE program. ACE projects should promote the adoption of sustainable practices and reduce the misuse of nutrients and pesticides. ACE priority issues include irrigated agriculture, nutrient management, environmentally sound multiple land uses, and animal waste management. Funding may also be available for proposals that specifically reduce pesticide use in target crops. Funds have not yet been determined by Congress, but it is anticipated that there will be approximately $1,000,000 for new SARE projects and approximately $160,000-$300,000 for new ACE projects. Proposals are due to the Western Region SARE office at Utah State University by November 8, 1995.
Farmer/Rancher Research grants:
Producers and producer groups residing in the Western U.S. will be eligible to compete for SARE Farmer/Rancher Research Grants. The Call for Proposals for those grants is expected to be released November 6, 1995. Grants will be made for projects that identify, evaluate and test sustainable agriculture practices and provide innovative solutions to local problems. Research proposals must be led by one or more producers, include a professional agricultural technical advisor and provide a plan for sharing information with others in the community. Proposals are due to the Western Region SARE office at Utah State University by January 17, 1996.
Professional Development/In-Service Education Projects:
Proposals are sought for projects helping Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other agricultural professionals within the Western Region to increase their understanding and proficiency in the area of sustainable agriculture. Projects must address education and professional development that will improve their ability to conduct education programs and activities in sustainable agriculture and to respond to inquiries from farmers, ranchers and the public regarding sustainable agriculture concepts and systems. Proposals are due December 6, 1995 to Jill Shore Auburn, Western Regional Training Coordinator, University of California, Davis.
Organic Research Grants
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is offering funds for organic farming methods research, dissemination of research results to organic farmers and growers interested in making the transition to organic production, and consumer education on organic farming issues. Projects should involve farmers in design and execution, and take place on working farms when possible. Proposals of $3,000-$5,000 are encouraged. Matching funds and/or in-kind contributions are recommended. Proposals are considered twice a year; the next round of proposals must be received by January 15, 1996. To receive copies of grant application procedures and the OFRF Research and Education Priorities describing target areas, write Grants Program, Organic Farming Research Foundation, PO Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Tel: (408) 426-6606.
Fertilizer Research Awards
A Request for Proposals will be out in mid-January 1996 from the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Fertilizer Research and Education Program. Funding will be available for projects directed toward the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizer materials. For details and to be put on the mailing list, contact Casey Walsh-Cady or Debbie Scott at CDFA, (916) 653-5340; e-mail: lwcady@ucdavis.edu.
Department of Pesticide Regulation
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is requesting proposals from California public and private entities to encourage the formation of groups interested in investigating and adopting innovative pest management practices that will led to the development of reduced-risk pest management systems. The program intends to provide support for groups of innovators to work with university researchers, private industry, and consultants to set up demonstration projects of new IPM systems. A broad range of projects is encouraged, including those that involve a single-tactic approach that can be interrogated into a whole system. Pest management projects form the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors are invited. Equal consideration will be given to new projects or existing projects that wish to expand. Awards will range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m., November 30, 1995. For information, contact Jenny Broome, Tel: (916) 324-4100; Fax: (916) 324-4088, e-mail: jbroome@cdpr.ca.gov; 1020 N Street, Room 161, Sacramento, CA 95814-5624. Please request either the one-page Request for Proposals general specifications or the full application package.
Funding Resource Note:
Funding-seekers may want to investigate Environmental Grantmaking Funding 1995 Directory (January 1995), published by Environmental Research Institute, 1655 Elmwood Ave., Suite 225, Rochester, NY 14620, tel: (800) 724-1857; fax: (716) 473-0968. The 700-page directory with information on 600 grantmaking foundations is available for $70 plus $5 shipping and handling.
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