Grants Support New Farm Practices

By Scout Nelson

Sustainable agriculture continues to grow across the North Central region, and new funding opportunities support this progress. The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, known as NCR-SARE, offers several grants to help farmers, ranchers, educators, researchers, and organizations explore and improve sustainable practices.

These grants serve 12 states in the region, including North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

These programs support projects that help people learn new farming methods, protect natural resources, and strengthen farm communities. The goal is to build systems that protect the land, water, and air while supporting strong and profitable farm operations.

“NCR-SARE recognizes that farmers and ranchers have critical insight when it comes to improving their operations,” says Hoppe. “The Farmer Rancher Grant Program, for example, provides agricultural producers the opportunity to explore sustainable ways of increasing profits and improving quality of life.”

The Farmer Rancher Grant Program gives producers the chance to test new ideas, solve challenges on their farms, and share successful methods with others. Proposals for this program are due by December 4, 2025.

The Youth Educator Grant Program opens in mid-January 2026. It supports teachers and leaders who help young people learn about sustainable agriculture through hands-on activities and learning programs.

The Partnership Grant Program supports teamwork between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers or ranchers. These projects allow people to work together to learn new skills or test sustainable practices. Applications for this grant are due November 20, 2025.

The Research and Education Grant Program supports researchers and educators who study sustainable agriculture and share results with producers and communities. Preproposals for this program are due December 4, 2025.

Since 1988, SARE grants have helped improve farm profits, protect natural resources, and support healthy rural communities. These programs continue to help people create stronger and more sustainable farms.

More information is available at the NCR-SARE website, and applicants may contact NDSU Extension staff for support.

Photo Credit: ncr-sare