1994 CALL FOR PREPROPOSALS
Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education Program
The Southern Region USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Program (SARE), in partnership with the EPA Agriculture in Concert with
the Environment Program (ACE), is requesting preproposals for research and
education activities that address issues of sustainable agriculture of
current and potential importance to the region and nation. Sustainable
agriculture, as defined by Title XVI, Subtitle A, Sec. 1603, is an
integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a
site-specific application that will, over the long-term: satisfy human
food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural
resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends; make the most
use ofnonrenewable resources and on-farm resources, and integrate,
where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the
economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for
farmers and ranchers, and society as a whole. The objective of the SARE
program is to enable the full spectrum of farmers and ranchers to move
profitably toward production systems compatible with the concept of
sustainable agriculture. Specific objectives include:
- Promote good stewardship of the nation's natural
resources by providing site specific and profitable sustainable farming
and ranching methods that strengthen agricultural competitiveness;
satisfy human food and fiber needs; maintain and enhance the quality and
productivity of the soil; conserve soil, water, energy, natural
resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; protect endangered species;
and maintain and improve the quality ofsurface and groundwater;
- Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the
food/farm system;
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers/ranchers and
society as a whole, in part by increasing income and employment -
especially profitable self-employment opportunities in agriculture and
rural communities. Specifically, a major goal is to strengthen the family
farm system of agriculture, a system characterized by small- and
moderate-sized farms that are principally owner operated;
- Promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification
and the well-being of animals, and;
- Strengthen rural communities by creating economic
conditions that foster locally owned business and employment
opportunities.Seven general types of projects are eligible for funding (Appendix
integrated systems, educational, demonstration, experimental, exploratory,
impact (quality of life) assessment, and regional resource issues
planning. Many preproposals will fit into more than one category.
However, each preproposal must indicate its predominant type, so that
appropriate evaluation criteria can be used in reviews. Priority areas for
funding are listed in Appendix B. Format for preproposals is described in
Appendix C. No other materials or attachments are required or will be
considered during the preproposal stage.
The Administrative Council (composed of representatives of the
agricultural community including researchers, farmers, extension
personnel, USDA and SCS representatives) evaluate proposals based upon
their relevance to SARE/ACE program goals, the appropriateness of research
and demonstration methodologies, and the extent of interdisciplinary,
inter-institutional, and regional approaches.
The Southern Region SARE/ACE program especially encourages preproposals
that have substantial farmer and end-user involvement in the design,
implementation and dissemination stages of the project. All preproposals
must include an explicit plan for making research findings available to
the intended users (both academic and farming communities). The criteria
used to evaluate preproposals is listed in Appendix D.
The Southern Region SARE/ACE program received 208 preproposals in 1992, of
which 45 were selected for development into full proposals. Of those 45
full proposals, 13 proposals were chosen for funding by the Southern
Region SARE/ACE Administrative Council. The average total budget request
for the proposals selected (one to three years in duration) for funding in
1993 was $ 109,189. Funding for the Southern Region SARE/ACE program was
approximately $ 1.4 M for FY 1993; similar funding levels are
anticipatedfor 1994.
Project coordinators of preproposals selected for development into full
proposals will be notified of the status of their preproposal by November
8, 1993. The deadline for receipt of full (invited) proposals
isDecember 10, 1993.
An unstapled original and 10 stapled copies of the completed preproposal
must be received by 5:00 PM on September 15, 1993. Fax transmission of
preproposals is not acceptable. Preproposals can be sent
(regular/overnight) to:
Dr. Gerald Arkin
Associate Director, Georgia Agricultural
Experiment Station
1109 Experiment Street
Griffin, GA 30223-1797
Phone - (404)228-7263
For more information about sustainable agriculture or the Southern Region
SARE/ACE program, please contact:
Paula B. Ford
Southern Region SARE/ACE Program
University of Georgia
Georgia Station
Griffin, GA 30223-1797
(404)229-3300
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
National Agriculture Library
Room 304
1031 Baltimore Boulevard
Beltsville, MD 20705
(301)504-5724
APPENDIX A
TYPES OF PROJECTS
All projects should be participatory and involve farmers and end-users in
problem identification, research/education design and project
implementation.
1) Integrated Systems - Projects that functionally integrate the
findings of research studies, several disciplines, and direct experience
into a whole farm or natural ecosystem context. Synergistic and
conflicting relationships among various aspects of the farming operation
are explored and documented. The economic aspects (including, but not
limited to traditional cost and return analyses) of these systems should
be explored.
2) Educational - Projects that include activities such as
conferences, workshops, and preparation of education materials. These
projects should include both traditional and non-traditional forms of
education (including educating professionals about farmer and rural
community needs and farmer-to-farmer networking), and should reach out to
a broad geographic and demographic audience.
3) Demonstration - On-farm (or other appropriate area)
demonstration of innovative and promising sustainable agriculture
practices and systems. Demonstrations should include not only technical
information, but also information on the economic and social effects
associated with adopting sustainable agriculture practices. These
projects should include a detailed plan for ensuring widespread
involvement in demonstrations.
4) Experimental - Experimental component projects focus on
developing or improving a sustainable farming practice, or examination of
a basic or applied biophysical problem.
5) Exploratory - Exploratory projects apply scientific procedures
of observation and measurement to an innovative farming method or
practice, including concepts developed by farmers. The methods to be
screened or tested in these projects are not yet well defined as
scientific treatments, because of the exploratory nature of the practices
being examined, or because they involve substantial managerial adaptive
response to unpredictable growing conditions. As a result, it may not be
possible to design a rigorously controlled experimental design or conduct
statistical inferences on the outcomes. Exploratory studies are generally
funded for a single year.
6) Impact (Quality of Life) Assessment - Projects that examine
the effects of sustainable agriculture on society such as community
development, education, health, employment, and prosperity of family
farms. Of particular interest is the identification and measurement of
quality of life indices.
7) Regional Resource Issues Planning Grants - Planning grants
(of up to $30,000) of a one year duration to facilitate the development of
interdisciplinary projects of a landscape or watershed scale that address
issues of importance to sustainable agriculture affecting the Southern
region. These grants will be used to develop full proposals on regional
resource issues to be submitted for funding in the FY 1995 SARE/ACE
program.
APPENDIX B
PRIORITY AREAS FOR 1994
FUNDING
1) WASTE MANAGEMENT/POLLUTION PREVENTION - Innovative methods of
addressing issues of excess animal (and other agricultural) wastes within
agricultural systems, and other issues of pollution prevention.
2) TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION - Research and education programs to
identify constraints to adoption of sustainable agriculture, and to
facilitate adoption of sustainable farming system technologies.
3) IMPROVING METHODOLOGIES FOR ON-FARM STUDIES - Develop
methodologies and capacity for scientifically valid on-farm experiments
and demonstrations.
4) PUBLIC POLICY AND ECONOMICS - Analyze the effects of public
policies (international, federal, state, local, and regulatory) on farmer
incentives to adopt sustainable agriculture farming methods.
5) QUALITY OF LIFE/SOCIAL IMPACT - Analyze and disseminate
information on the effects of sustainable agriculture on the structure of
agriculture, rural community quality of life, human health, environmental
quality, resource conservation, and other effects.
6) ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MULTIPLE LAND USES - Research and
education programs that investigate potential environmentally sound
multiple land uses, including (but not limited to): riparian zones,
wetlands, agroforestry, wildlife, aquaculture, and composting.
7) INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES - Research and education
projects that focus on integrated animal, nutrient, waste, and pest
management systems. Develop and evaluate sustainable farming methods and
systems.
8) ANIMAL SYSTEMS - Research and education programs that
emphasize grazing and sustainable animal management systems. APPEN
PREPROPOSAL FORMAT
All preproposals must be typewritten, single spaced and no more than three
(3) pages in length (for items 2-6) and not more than 12 characters per
inch.
Preproposals must follow the following format:
I. Title - Concise description of project. The type of project
should also be listed. See Appendix A for project types.
II. Abstract - Short one-paragraph (approximately 100 words)
description of problem, goals and objectives, relevance of project
outcome, research/education methodologies to be used, and plan for
disseminating results to other researchers and end-users.
III. Statement of Problem, Rationale, and Significance - Statement
of problem and relevance of project outcome. Description of potential
environmental, economic, or social impact of project outcome.
IV. Objectives - List of concise project objectives.
V. Approach and Methods - Brief description of research and
education methodologies to be used in project.
VI. Information Dissemination and Outreach Plan - Plan to
distribute research and education results to a broad geographic and
demographic audience, with an emphasis on farmer and end-user education.
VII. Project Investigators and Participants - A list of project
investigators (including project coordinator) and participants, relevant
experience and role in project should be briefly described.
VIII. References - One (1) page limit.
IX. Budget - A tentative budget, including estimated personnel,
operating, supply, and equipment costs, should be attached.
Each preproposal should include (and document) substantial farmer (and
end-user) involvement in problem identification, project development, and
result dissemination.
APPENDIX D
CRITERIA TO EVALUATE PREPROPOSALS
1) STATEMENT OF PROBLEM, RATIONALE, AND SIGNIFICANCE - All
project preproposals must indicate how findings or outcomes of the project
will contribute to attainment of the goals of sustainable agriculture.
This criteria includes both the short- and long-term impacts of project's
anticipated findings or outcomes.
2) FUNCTIONAL PARTICIPATION OF FARMERS, DIVERSE INSTITUTIONS, AND
MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES - All preproposals must clearly indicate that
farmers, multiple institutions, and interdisciplinary approaches are
functionally integrated into the development and implementation of the
research and education plan. Proposals will be evaluated according to the
efficacy of the plan for assembling an appropriate team of participants
and devising an effective team strategy. The participation of various
individuals and institutions should be consistent with the objectives
of the project and the particular contribution each party has to offer
the whole project.
3) INCORPORATION OF A HOLISTIC APPROACH - All project
preproposals must clearly include a holistic approach to achieve project
objectives. A holistic approach might include landscape (ecology)
studies, whole-farm studies, or farming systems studies.
4) METHODS AND APPROPRIATENESS OF PROJECT DESIGN - The proposed
methods to be used will be evaluated according to criteria appropriate for
the objectives of the proposal. Design characteristics will be evaluated
in relation to project objectives. Appropriate research and/or
education designs should be described in the proposal.
5) EVIDENCE OF ABILITY OF PROJECT INVESTIGATORS AND MAJOR
PARTICIPANTS TO ACHIEVE STATED GOALS - Preproposal should indicate the
qualifications and roles of each investigator and/or participant.
6) INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND OUTREACH - A detailed plan for
information dissemination (including non-traditional forms of
communication) and outreach that establishes who the relevant clientele
are (eg. farm size and type, rural communities, policymakers) and how
results of the project will be made available to targeted groups.
Southern Region
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
(SARE)
Competitive Exploratory Grant Program for Producers
Sustaining Agriculture on the Farm
Introduction
The Administrative Council of the Southern Region SARE program is
committed to providing agricultural producers the opportunity to
contribute in a meaningful way to the development of sustainable
agriculture research and education activities. We are asking producers to
participate in this program in order to insure that the most appropriate
producer issues within sustainable agriculture are identified and
addressed. This program recognizes the value and importance of on-farm,
producer experience in defining obstacles and developing problem solving
strategies. Experience gained from these producer proposals
willcontribute to future research and education programming. This grant
program is in addition to the current research and education program
currently supported by the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education Program.
The Southern Region USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education (SARE) program is requesting grant applications from producers
to develop projects that identify specific issues and offer solutions
associated with sustainable agriculture practices. The SARE research and
education program is designed to help producers solve problems that are
limiting their conversion to a more sustainable agriculture. Sustainable
agriculture, as defined by the original legislation for the SARE program,
is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a
site-specific application that will, over the long term; satisfy human
food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural
resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most
efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and
integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality
of life for farmer/ranchers and society as a whole.
Grant applications can request funding for innovative activities
relating to sustainable agriculture. This can include funding for small
research trials, educational activities, demonstrations, farm
diversification trials, farmer workshops, farmer surveys, and farmer-to-
farmer networking. Producers are encouraged to take the leadership in
identifying ways to overcome obstacles in the transition from conventional
to sustainable farming systems. Projects may be funded up to three years
in duration, for a total of up to $ 10,000.
Eligibility
Any producer within the Southern Region is eligible to submit a proposal
for consideration by the Administrative Council. The Southern Region
includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the Virgin Islands.
Applications (Forms Attached)
1) Proposals should be under the leadership and management of
producers. However, if appropriate, cooperators (such as other producers,
SCS, extension agents, university scientists, sustainable agriculture
organizations and other non-profit groups, etc.) who can assist in project
planning, evaluation, and information dissemination, should be included.
2) Producers are encouraged to identify other members of the
agricultural community who can help them overcome the barrier that they
identify. Examples of types of projects funded in the North Central and
Northeastern Regions are listed in Attachment A. While conditions facing
Southern Region producers are different, these projects illustrate some
possibilities.
3) Matching contributions are required. Matching
contributions can include annual cash rental value of land and equipment,
as well as operating costs such as extra labor, seed, and managerial time.
These should be calculated on an annual cash rent basis.
4) Projects should be innovative, useful beyond one year, and
not specific to only that farm or ranch, but potentially applicable to
many other producers.
5) Proposals must include an outreach component to provide an
opportunity for other producers to learn from the project. This outreach
component must include a workshop, field day, fact sheet, or brochure.
6) While project funds are not for personal use,
reimbursement for extraordinary labor or managerial requirements may be
justified in some instances.
7) Equipment and permanent improvements are supported on a
depreciated scale. When equipment expenses are funded, the costs will be
pro-rated as follows: 40% for equipment; 33% for fencing; and 25% of the
cost of seeding perennial plants. Budget worksheets need to be submitted
for each year, if it is a multi-year project. A summary budget (combining
all funding requests) also needs to be submitted. A sample budget is
attached.
8) Proposals may include a letter of support from a community
contact indicating the need and appropriateness of this kind of work in
the community, and any other information that would support the
application. This letter should include the address and phone number of
the individual writing the letter. (Community contacts might include a
local farm leader, extension agent, banker, ASCS or SCS officer,
implement dealer, or co-op manager.)Submitting your application
If you have a question concerning the SARE program, the grant
application, or sustainable agriculture, you can contact:
Paula B. Ford
SARE/ACE Program
University of Georgia
Georgia Station
1109 Experiment Street
Griffin, GA 30223-1797
Phone - (404)229-3300
Applications, budget worksheets, and letter of support must be
received at the address listed above by October 31, 1993. Producers will
be notified of the status of their proposal by February 28, 1994.
We also encourage you to contact your local extension agent, university
experiment station, or the National Agriculture Library for more
information about sustainable agriculture.
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
National Agriculture Library
Room 304
1031 Baltimore Boulevard
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone - (301)504-5724
Successful applications
Although this is the first year of this grant program, we anticipate that
successful proposals will be those that include cooperators who can assist
in project planning, evaluation, or information dissemination and
outreach. These cooperators can be extension agents and specialists,
non-profit groups, SCS, ASCS, local farm leaders, sustainable agriculture
and other non-profit group, University researchers, or crop/soil
consultants. All proposals should clearly define the problem that they
are addressing, and how they are addressing it with their proposed
project. All successful proposals should include an outreach component
such as a field day, demonstration, workshop, or publication.
A final report, outlining activities, outreach, and expenditures will be
required of all successful applicants. Expenses in this program will be
reimbursed upon submission of receipts.
ATTACHMENT A - PRODUCER-INITIATED GRANTS
In recognition of the crucial importance of farmer involvement in every
phase of the program, and especially the innovations farmers come up with,
the Southern Region Administrative Council of the Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education (SARE) program has started a
producer-initiatedgrants initiative. During the past six years, hundreds
of farmers, ranchers, and other producers have participated as members of
teams that have designed and implemented projects through the
regular competitive grants process of the SARE program and its
predecessor, the LISA program. The purpose of this new initiative is to
give farmers a unique opportunity, outside the normal review process,
to take the lead in identifying and solving problems limiting their
transition to a more sustainable agriculture.
This new program is patterned after similar efforts started last year in
the North Central and Northeast Regions. In those regions, a total of 269
proposals were received, and 61 were selected for funding. The size of the
grants in those regions averaged $3,033. The smallest grant was $360, the
largest $6,250. Descriptions of these producer-initiated grants may be
obtained from Paula Ford (address listed on page 3 of this document).
The Southern Region Administrative Council has established an upper limit
of $10,000 for these special producer-initiated grants. As in the past,
however, producers have the opportunity to participate in larger projects
through the regular SARE competitive grants process.
The following are a few excerpts from producer initiated grants funded in
the Northeast and North Central Regions. Since growing conditions are
different in the Southern Region, the Administrative Council does not
expect proposals to be limited to these types.
* Four parcels of land in Iowa, each 2.5 acres, will be used to
compare different green cover crops that can be used to replace purchased
nitrogen in crop production. The four types studied are red clover,
alfalfa, interseeded red clover in growing corn and no-till rye into
alfalfa. Each parcel will have soil and tissue testing throughout the
growing season to determine any nitrogen-nutrient deficiencies. Yields
will be recorded and compared to determine which cover crops produced
best. Cooperators include an FFA instructor and a soil consultant; $2,715
SARE funds; $3,330 matching contributions.
* A Nebraska farmer will convert a windrower to a composting
machine to turn manure into a compost product for field use. Fabricating
a composter from machinery on hand is a practical and low-cost option for
the smaller producer. The compost will be analyzed and applied in the
field, allowing fertilization of more acres with existing manure and fewer
purchased inputs. Yields will be recorded and compared with similar fields
where compost was not applied; $2,311 SARE funds; $4,660 matching.
* A New Jersey pumpkin producer will attempt to reduce erosion,
synthetic fertilizer and herbicide by using subterranean clover as a mulch
crop while the pumpkins are growing. The farmer will examine the effect of
clover on weed pressure, soil nitrogen, erosion and pumpkin yield;
$1,200 SARE funds; $575 matching.
Southern Region
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
(SARE)
Competitive Exploratory Grant Program for Producers
1993 Grant Application Form for
Sustaining Agriculture on the Farm
(Please type or print clearly. Attach additional pages, if needed.)
Name
Address
Phone
1. What problem or barrier to sustainable agriculture is being
addressed in your project?
2. How common or widespread is this problem to sustainable
agriculture in the Southern Region?
3. Describe your farm/ranch operation, and how your proposed project
will fit in with your operation.
4. How do you plan to solve this problem?
5. How would this project help you take the next step toward a more
sustainable farm or ranch?
6. How much money are you requesting, and how would you use the
grant funds to achieve this outcome?
7. How will you know, and how will we know, that you have
accomplished your desired outcome with this project? Specifically, what
kind of outreach component, such as a field day or workshop, will you use
to share what you learn with other producers?
8. If this is to be a joint project with others in your community,
please list their names, occupations, and the role that they would play in
your proposed project.
____________________________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
(Please continue by completing Budget Worksheet on pages IV and V.
Budget Worksheet
Please complete this form with your proposed budget. The first column
represents how you would use the grant funds in your proposed project.
Use the second column to show matching contributions from other sources.
In-kind contributions of labor, facilities, supplies, etc. should be shown
in this column. These should be calculated on an annual cash rent
equivalent basis. Use the blank lines to add more specific information;
for example, names of major participants receiving money or the kinds
of equipment purchases planned.
YEAR ________________
Grant Funds
Other Contributions
(requested)
(in-kind)
PERSONNEL SERVICES
Major Participants (name below)
Other management/labor hired
Salaried personnel
Hourly personnel
Please explain any major expenses on an additional page.
SUBTOTAL (PERSONNEL) $ _______________
$ _________________
iv
Grant Funds
Other Contributions
(requested)
(in-kind)
NON-PERSONNEL SERVICES
Travel
Operating and Supplies
Rental Value of Land/Equipment
Equipment Purchases
Outreach Expenses
Miscellaneous
Please explain any major expenses on an additional page.
SUBTOTAL (NON-PERSONNEL) $ _______________
$ _______________
SUBTOTAL (PERSONNEL-from page iv) $ _______________
$ ________________
TOTAL - Grant Funds Requested $ ________________
TOTAL - In-kind Contributions
$ ________________
___________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
Paula Ford | LASAS - Crops & Soils Science
| Georgia Experiment Station
INTERNET: | 1109 Experiment Street
PFORD@GAES.GRIFFIN.PEACHNET.EDU | Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797 USA
BITNET: PFORD@GRIFFIN
DIALCOM: 157:AGS634 FAX: (404) 229-3215