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SARE grant writing workshop set for Nov. 3 in St. Charles

Published: October 21, 2009
Story Source: Debi Kelly, 573-882-1905

COLUMBIA, Mo. -Farmers and ranchers can learn how to write and submit proposals for grants to promote sustainable agriculture practices at a Nov. 3 workshop at the August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center in St. Charles, Mo.

Funding for the grants comes from the USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.

"These grants allow farmers and ranchers an opportunity to test new sustainable-agriculture techniques and demonstrate how they can be used over a wider area," said Debi Kelly, University of Missouri Extension associate, Missouri SARE co-coordinator and workshop instructor.

SARE invites farmers or ranchers operating in USDA's North Central Region, which includes Missouri, to submit proposals that test and evaluate adaptable sustainable agriculture practices for their operations. Grants upt to $6,000 for individuals or up to $18,000 for groups of three or more people from separate operations are available.

Deadline for submitting proposals is Dec. 3.

SARE expects to fund about 50 projects in the region, Kelly said.

"Proposals should show how farmers and ranchers plan to use their own innovative ideas to explore sustainable agriculture options and how they will share project results," she said.

North Central Region SARE has funded more than 700 farmer and rancher grants worth more than $4.3 million since the program's inception in 1992.

The one-day workshop runs 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration starting at 9 a.m. Cost is $25, which includes lunch and workshop materials.

"We will take participants step-by-step through the application process," Kelly said. "My goal is to have every participant walk out of the workshop with the backbone of the grant written."

SARE awards grants for a wide range of ideas related to sustainable agriculture. Examples of 2009 projects include use of green manure crops, reducing parasites in yellow perch production, pasture management and vegetable production.

To register for the workshop, call 314-773-3676. For more information or to download a grant application, see http://sare.org/ncrsare/cfp.htm or call Debi Kelly at 573-882-1905.