North Central SARE Offering Sustainable Agriculture Research Grants to Graduate Students

By Sarah Zeiler and Katie Brandt

Graduate students researching sustainable farming are encouraged to apply this May for a grant program, USDA North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE). Proposals are due by May 29, 2025. Masters and PhD students at accredited colleges and universities can apply for SARE Graduate Student Grants of up to $20,000 to “address sustainable agriculture issues” in the North Central region.

Michigan SARE Coordinator, Sarah Zeiler and Katie Brandt from the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program are glad to advise applicants, review proposals and support farmers, educators and students applying for NCR-SARE grants. Grant-writing support is available free of charge for all six North Central SARE grants and for Michigan SARE mini-grants. Email szeiler@msu.edu or brandtk7@msu.edu with questions, to have a proposal reviewed or to set up a time to discuss your proposal idea.

SARE funding supports three common goals:

• Profit over the long term
• Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and water
• Quality of life for farmers, ranchers, farm employees and our communities

Farmers, ranchers, educators, farm advocacy organizations, MSU Extension staff, researchers and agriculture professionals are welcome to apply.

SARE also distributes numerous resources focused on innovative farming techniques for environmental sustainability, economic viability and farmer/community well-being. For more information about SARE grants and resources, visit MSU Extension or SARE.