Grants Available for Ag Projects (2001)

Colorado farmers and ranchers can submit grant applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s sustainable agriculture program through Oct. 1. The program, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, is soliciting applications for producer-directed projects.

Sustainable agriculture is agriculture that is profitable while being environmentally and socially responsible.

SARE grants are awarded to projects focusing on education or research that implement sustainable farming and ranching. The grants, each up to $7,500 for individuals or $15,000 for groups of three or more producers, are awarded in the spring of 2002.

"SARE encourages farmers and ranchers to find new ways to be good neighbors, care for the land and still make a profit," said Dennis Lamm, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension livestock specialist. Lamm is SARE coordinator for Colorado.

The SARE program has awarded grants to Colorado farmers and ranchers for several years. Increased funding is available this year to support work that emphasizes innovative marketing practices that promote sustainable agriculture.

SARE proposals from farmers and ranchers are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Western SARE headquarters, Utah State University.

For more information about application requirements, contact Lamm at (970) 491-5168 or dlamm@agsci.colostate.edu, or the Colorado State Cooperative Extension offices, usually listed under the county government section of local phone books. Applications are available on the Web at http://wsare.usu.edu or by writing Western SARE, Room 305, Agricultural Science Building, Utah State University, 4865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4865; call (435) 797-2257; or e-mail bobn@ext.usu.edu.