For applications, CONTACT:
North Central Region SARE, 402-472-7081, 402-472-0280 (fax),
sare001@unlvm.unl.edu, or http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ncrsare
For more information, CONTACT:
George Bird, Coordinator, NCR SARE Professional Development Program,
517-353-3890, 517-353-4354 (fax), or bird@msue.msu.edu,
---------------------------
USDA SARE ANNOUNCES TWO
CALLS FOR PROPOSALS
in the NORTH CENTRAL REGION
---------------------------
Lincoln, NE -- Sharing knowledge about sustainable agriculture can be
economically viable with a SARE grant.
Approaching its 10th anniversary, the USDA's Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education (SARE) program in the North Central Region (NCR) is
calling for: 1) proposals for professional development projects in
sustainable agriculture, and 2) proposals for a NCR SARE Professional
Development Program (PDP) coordinator and region-wide training project.
For the first call for PDP projects, individuals and groups are invited to
submit proposals to share information with Extension, NRCS and other
agricultural personnel on profitable, ecologically sound farming and
ranching that supports rural areas.
NCR SARE will award a total of approximately $400,000 this year to fund
creative educational programs on farms, at workshops or during conferences.
Projects could include use of new technologies; development of handbooks,
fact sheets and manuals; or other creative endeavors.
"With four years of PDP projects behind us, we are eager to continue to
fund creative people and groups interested in sustainable agriculture
education," says George Bird, coordinator of the NCR SARE PDP.
Projects with multi-state scopes are encouraged, as are projects
involving farmers or ranchers as meaningful participants. Proposal reviewers
will also favor projects fostering partnerships between public and private
organizations, colleges and universities, and farmers and researchers.
For the second call for PDP coordinator and region-wide project, the NCR
SARE seeks applicants willing to facilitate the NCR SARE PDP and continue
development and delivery of a regional training project in sustainable
agriculture. The targeted budget for this activity is up to $120,000 per
year for up to three years.
Currently the PDP includes a region-wide director of extension training, a
regional training project, 12 state training initiatives directed by
sustainable agriculture state extension coordinators, and 31 competitively
awarded projects.
The chosen coordinator will be responsible for organization, facilitation,
and evaluation of the NCR SARE PDP. Applicants must demonstrate commitment
to sustainable agriculture and associated educational activities.
George Bird, Michigan State University professor of entomology, will vacate
the coordinator position in August 1998.
"Directing the NCR SARE PDP has been a rewarding experience," says Bird. "I
am certain that the next coordinator will have a similar, positive experience."
Any individual or group located in the NCR — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South
Dakota and Wisconsin — can receive either call by contacting the NCR SARE
office at sare001@unlvm.unl.edu, 402-472-7081 or 402-472-0280 (fax). The
applications will also be available at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ncrsare. For
questions about the PDP, contact George Bird at bird@msue.msu.edu or
517-353-3890.
Applications for the first call for PDP projects must be received no later
than February 13, 1998. Applications for the second call for PDP coordinator
and regional training project are due February 20, 1998.
###
The SARE Program began with the 1985 Farm Bill. Congress appropriated
initial funds in 1988 for grants in sustainable agriculture research,
education and demonstration. Funding goes to producers, scientists,
educators and public and private institutions and organizations through
three grant programs: the PDP, a producer grant program and a research and
education grant program.
NCR SARE, implemented by an administrative council and directed by a
regional coordinator, is one of four regions in the national SARE program.
*************************
Lisa Bauer
Communications Specialist
North Central Region SARE
13A Activities Bldg.
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68583-0840
402-472-0265
402-472-0280 (fax)
sare003@unlvm.unl.edu
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ncrsare
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