This program is for farmers making at least $1,000 gross annually who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, or other method. Successful applicants develop projects that can address questions that are directly related with profitability, better stewardship, and stronger rural communities.

Who can apply, what funds can be used for and what funds cannot be used for:

• Farmers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. are welcome to apply.
• Funds can be used to conduct the research project including paying farmers for their time, project-related materials, project costs like consulting fees or soil tests, and any communications or outreach expenses associated with telling others about project results.
• A technical advisor-often an extension agent, crop consultant, other service professional or farmer with advanced expertise-must also be involved.
• Grant awards are capped at $30,000 per project and projects up to 3 years are accepted.
• Farmer Grant funds cannot be used to start a farm, build any facility, purchase durable equipment like tractors or computers, purchase livestock, or for any utility, telephone, or other costs that would be there in the absence of the project.

Recipients of the Farmer Grant are expected to collect and manage reliable data about their project and convey this information clearly through annual and final reports.

Application materials, including detailed instructions and supporting documents, are posted at

https://northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/farmer-grant-program/

If you are interested in learning more about it you can register for the Farmer Grant Webinar that will happen on October 5, 2021 at noon here

Please contact Amy Barkley, Livestock and Beginning Farm Specialist, at 716-640-0844 and amb544@cornell.edu or Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist, at 607-422-6788 and cd546@cornell.edu if you are interested in applying for a NE-SARE Farmer Grant or if you have an idea you want to discuss.