Communities with sustainable ag ideas have until Oct. 5 to submit proposals

The Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program and the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) have jointly administered a grants program since 2002 that provides funding for projects that strengthen both agriculture and communities by connecting sustainable agriculture to community development. County Extension centers, farm support organizations and community development agencies (local, state and regional) are among the agencies eligible for SARE/SRDC "Sustainable Community Innovation Grants" of as much as $10,000. Among the projects awarded program funding in recent years are nutrition classes, promotional materials supporting local agriculture, farmland protection initiatives, and farmers market and agritourism initiatives. The next deadline for proposals is Oct. 5. All proposals must be submitted online.