Apply Now for SARE Grants Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

By Andi Anderson

Farmers, educators, researchers, and agricultural professionals interested in advancing sustainable farming now have the chance to apply for SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) grants.

These funding opportunities are designed to encourage collaboration, innovation, and professional growth while strengthening U.S. agriculture.

SARE Partnership Grants provide up to $50,000 for projects that bring together farm educators and three or more farmers. These grants support on-farm research, demonstrations, and education, focusing on farmer profitability, natural resource conservation, and quality of life.

Farmers must represent separate farms, be actively involved, and receive at least $25/hour compensation for their time. The deadline for applications is November 20, 2025, with projects beginning April 1, 2026.

SARE Professional Development Grants offer up to $120,000 for projects lasting up to three years. These focus on training agricultural educators through “train-the-trainer” models, using farmers as educators, and addressing emerging farm challenges.

Proposals should emphasize profitability, stewardship, and farmer well-being. The application deadline is November 5, 2025, with projects starting February 1, 2026.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full Request for Proposals, noting budget requirements, evaluation criteria, and USDA-NIFA priorities. Webinars on October 8 and October 9 will provide additional guidance, and SARE’s How-To Video Series is another valuable resource.

Beyond these two programs, SARE offers several other opportunities, including Youth Educator, Farmer Rancher, Graduate Student, and Research & Education Grants, as well as Michigan-based mini-grants and Tribal grants.

Since 1988, SARE has distributed more than $11.6 million to fund 342 projects in Michigan alone, supporting sustainable farming through inclusivity and innovation.

For assistance, state and regional SARE coordinators are available to review proposals and help strengthen applications.

With strong success rates, these SARE grants represent an important opportunity to support sustainable agriculture and empower farmers, educators, and communities to create lasting impacts.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic