Western SARE Professional Development Grant

Professional Development Program (PDP) Grants are aimed at helping Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and other agricultural professionals in the Western Region increase their understanding and proficiency in sustainable agriculture.

Professional Development Program Grants are designed to educate agricultural professionals about sustainable agriculture so they, in turn, can educate and train farmers and ranchers. Funded PDP grants must achieve this longterm outcome:

Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service and other agricultural professionals are knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture principles and systems. They have ready access to resources that can help producers make informed decisions about adopting sustainable approaches with greater certainty and less risk.

Projects must improve the ability of agricultural professionals to conduct educational programs and activities in sustainable agriculture principles and systems and to respond to inquiries on the subject from farmers, ranchers and the public.

Approaches can include, among others:

• Workshops

• Conferences

• Development of materials or curricula

• Demonstrations

• Web-based courses

• Tours

Multi-faceted proposals are encouraged. Projects using multiple techniques or methods are recommended, as are efforts whose results can be applied to wide and diverse audiences. Subject matter can include any sustainable agriculture endeavor, including animal agriculture, agronomic or horticultural crop production, or the effects of sustainable practices on quality of life for producers or rural communities.

Projects with a scope beyond a single state or area are encouraged. Projects may be 1-to-3 years in length. Funding is capped at $100,000 total costs per project.

• 2023 Call For Proposals

• Information Page