SARE Grant Programs Support Farmer-Focused Research and Education

SARE relies on local, farmer-driven leadership to guide its investments in research and education projects that improve the sustainability of U.S. agriculture. Since 1988, SARE has invested more than $389 million in research funds to empower America's most innovative farmers, ranchers, educators, researchers, graduate students and other farm research, education and professional and community development.

SARE operates in four regions-North Central, Northeast, South and West with each regional program hosted by a Land-grant Institution. Each region is guided by volunteer administrative councils that make grants and set regional priorities.

"The regional projects carried out by SARE serve as a clear testament to the lasting influence of the program on individuals and communities nationwide," said Dr. Vance Owens, NIFA national program leader and SARE director.

Regional Impacts

Southern SARE

Downy mildew is a disease caused by a fungal pathogen. Downy mildew targets popular garden plants, such as cucurbits, which includes squashes, pumpkins and cucumbers. Farmers can lose their entire crop to the disease. Edmund Frost, Virginia farmer and co-owner of Common Wealth Seed Growers and Twin Oaks Seed Farm, received funding from three Farmer/Ranch grants for research, selection and breeding efforts aimed to develop better varieties of winter squash. This particular variety would be disease and pest resistant, produce consistent shape and size fruit and taste delicious.

Frost's work resulted in the South Anna cultivar, a downy mildew resistant butternut squash. This work has resulted in South Anna become a popular squash variety for growers in the region.

Northeast SARE

Young farmers throughout the Northeast are well aware of the deep-seated racial inequities that exist within American agriculture. These inequities pose significant challenges for farmers of color in their quest to obtain land, capital and other essential resources needed to run a successful farm business.

Under the leadership of Caitlin Arnold and the National Young Farmers Coalition, a SARE Partnership grant was secured to address this issue head-on. The result of their efforts is the development and distribution of a Racial Equity Toolkit, which aims to shed light on how racism operates within the food system. The coalition partnered with Soul Fire Farm of Petersburg, N.Y., which facilitated three "Uprooting Racism" trainings for 25 of the coalition's chapter groups. These trainings focused on identifying and combating racism in their communities and economies.

This work has provided a valuable resource for individuals seeking to combat racism within their local agricultural communities, fostering meaningful conversations, raising awareness and promoting the creation of resilient communities.

Western SARE

Predators like mountain lions and coyotes can cause enormous economic losses for ranchers living in the West. Rancher Sydney Franz experienced a loss in herd numbers when she moved her goat ranch, K&C Boer Goats, from central Texas to Mora County, N.M. With protection options limited due to finances, the ranch lost 24 percent of its goat kids between 2016 and 2017.

Through a Farmer/Rancher grant project, K&C adjusted their methods and using human herders resulted in the operation reducing its animal losses to a consistent 6 to 8 percent each year. This project also showed potential for whole-farm benefits such as weed control and improved soil health.

North Central SARE

Food deserts, which are urban areas with limited access to fresh and affordable food, are often found in marginalized communities. Unfortunately, residents in these areas face poorer health outcomes and lack knowledge about food nutrition and preparation. To combat this issue, Legacy Taste of the Garden, a black-owned farm spanning across three locations in Indiana, secured a Farmer/Rancher grant. Their mission? To promote fresh and local food, educate the community about traditional farming and gardening methods, and bridge the gap between local producers and consumers. Due to their efforts, Legacy Taste of the Garden has successfully improved local food access and sparked enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture and nutritious whole foods.

Read more from SARE's impacts from the field here.

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