As farmers and ranchers attempt to sustain their operations and ways of life, they are forming learning partnerships with Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other federal and state agency personnel with help from the USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program (PDP). Since 1994, Congress has annually appropriated funds to support agricultural educators who are learning in cooperation with farmers about sustainable practices and concepts. The PDP supports state professional development programs and competitive grants that train ag educators.

Click on your state above for more information about SARE in your state.

1. SARE Calls for Proposals
2. SARE Calendar of Events
3. Educational and Training Opportunities in Sustainable Ag -- Compiled by the National Agriculture Library
4. Contact PDP Coordinator Paula Ford/Associate Coordinator Linda Kleinschmit
5. SARE National Continuing Education Program in Sustainable Agriculture
   Sustainable Agriculture: Basic Principles and Concept Overview (Course 1)

State Professional Development Programs

SARE provides funds to land grant universities to assist extension educators, farmers and other stakeholders in developing education activities in sustainable concepts and systems. The funds help equip ag educators with tools they need to help farmers face change.

Each state in the NCR has a sustainable agriculture coordinator who directs sustainable agriculture education activities and engaging agricultural stakeholders. Because each state coordinator works to meet state-specific challenges, educational programs are designed to fit local needs of agricultural educators, farmers, agency personnel and others. For more information regarding your state program, go to your state's page.

PDP Competitive Grants

Competitive grants are awarded for state and multi-state PDP projects that emphasize cross-agency training, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community.

How to Get Involved

Contact the NCR-SARE office to receive the call for grant proposals. To attend sustainable agriculture training events or find educational materials, contact your state PDP coordinator(s), or contact PDP Coordinator Paula Ford.

Annual Grant-Making Timeline

Professional Development Program Funds, 1994 - 2002

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