Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

The USDA's North Central Region (NCR) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has awarded more than $30 million worth of competitive grants to farmers and ranchers, researchers, educators, public and private institutions, nonprofit groups, and others exploring sustainable agriculture in 12 states.

Since 1988, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program.

Goals

- Foster site-specific, integrated farming systems; satisfy human food and fiber needs;

- enhance environmental quality, natural resource conservation and the integration of on-farm and biological resources;

- enhance the quality of rural life and support owner-operated farms;

- protect human health and safety; and promote crop, livestock and enterprise diversity and the well-being of animals.

America's Heartland

- The 12 NCR states — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin — have a rich agricultural history. The region embodies what most people think of when they envision the Heartland ... endless rows of corn, strong family traditions, quaint rural towns. The Heartland is this, and much more: highly diversified farms, urban-rural partnerships, community-supported agriculture ... The NCR's challenge has been to hold fast to historical roots in a contemporary manner, preserving its place in the front lines of food production and promoting healthy food systems.

- From the wheat and cattle of the high plains to the dairy farms and orchards of the northeast; from the corn, soybeans, and tall grass in our center to horticulture in the Ohio River Valley; from community-supported agriculture to farm cooperatives region-wide, the NCR's agricultural landscape is large and diverse.

- The region's cultural history, agricultural prowess, and innovative new systems behoove us to enhance rural areas and support healthy, productive farms and ranches. SARE strives to sustain NCR agriculture by encouraging research and education on profitable and environmentally sound systems that strengthen communities.