What is SARE?
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education is a USDA-funded program that supports research and education on farming practices that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities. It runs through four regional programs, each with its own grant calls.
One of its best-known offerings for working farmers is the producer grant, where the farmer is the lead and the project is a trial or demonstration on a real operation.
Because each region runs its own calls, a farmer in one part of the country may see categories that another does not. Visit the site for your region rather than relying on what neighbors in other states describe. Before you start writing, read two or three funded producer projects from your region to get a sense of scale, tone and detail.
What kinds of projects fit?
Typical producer projects test a practice, crop, variety, marketing approach, or management system and report the results. Examples include comparing cover crop mixes, trialing a grazing system, evaluating a pest control approach or testing a new way to sell direct to customers.
Reviewers look for a clear question, a sensible design, and a plan to share results with other farmers.
Treat the project like a small experiment. Decide in advance what you will measure, how often and by whom, and keep a simple notebook so you can write the final report easily.
- A specific question you want to answer
- A simple design with something to compare
- Measurements you can realistically collect
- A plan to share results with other growers
Who can apply?
Eligibility, funding categories and deadlines are set by each SARE region and change from year to year. Some calls are for farmers and ranchers only, some for educators or researchers, and some for partnerships. Read the call for your region carefully.
Many regions ask for a technical advisor, such as an extension agent or a researcher, to support the project.
How do I develop a strong proposal?
Start with a problem you actually have. Talk with a technical advisor early, since they can help you shape a question you can answer within a season or two. Keep the design simple enough that you can run it alongside normal farm work.
Write plainly. Reviewers include farmers, and they value clear goals, a realistic budget and honest limits. Look at funded projects posted on the SARE website to see how others framed theirs.
Ask a neighbor who has received a grant if you can read their application. Seeing how someone else described goals, methods and budget is more useful than any template.
What mistakes weaken applications?
Proposing something too big, leaving out a way to measure results, forgetting a plan to share findings, or asking for money to cover ordinary farm costs are common problems. Another is missing a requirement in the call, such as a required form or advisor letter.
Start early. Several regions have a single annual call, and a missed date means waiting a year.
- Read the call for proposals start to finish
- Confirm advisor and letter requirements
- Match your budget to allowed costs
- Note the deadline and submission method
What should I ask before I apply?
Ask your regional SARE office what the current call includes, who can lead, what costs are covered and what reporting is required. Ask whether you can contact past grantees for advice. Be wary of any website or caller who charges a fee for help getting a SARE grant; applications go directly to the region.
Also ask a tax professional how any grant payment is treated.
What happens after a project is funded?
Funded projects usually require progress reports, a final report and some form of outreach, such as a field day, a short publication or a presentation. SARE posts many final reports so other farmers can learn from them. Plan your calendar so the work, the measurements and the reporting all have time, and set aside a few hours each month for record keeping.
Also expect that results may not match your hopes. A trial that shows a practice did not work still gives useful information and is a legitimate outcome. Honest reporting builds your credibility with reviewers and with other farmers, and it can lead to better ideas for the next season.
Key takeaways
- SARE producer grants fund on-farm trials and demonstrations, not general operating costs.
- Each SARE region sets its own calls, eligibility and deadlines.
- A clear question, simple design and plan to share results make a stronger proposal.
- Applications go straight to SARE; never pay a third party for access.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.