Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (Western SARE) has announced funding opportunities to support research, education, Extension, and professional development projects that advance environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible agriculture throughout the western United States.
The current funding cycle includes six grant programs. Applications for all programs are due on October 28, 2026, except for the Visiting Research & Education Grant Program, which has an application deadline of October 5, 2026. Funding is contingent upon USDA-NIFA authorizing funds to Western SARE's host institution.
Professional + Producer Grant Program
This program supports collaborative projects between agricultural professionals and producers to address locally identified sustainable agriculture challenges through applied research, demonstrations, and educational activities. Key program details:
- Project team: Agricultural Professional (PI) and at least three producers
- Project Duration: 1–3 years
- Award Size: Up to $85,000
For more details, please visit the Professional + Producer Grant program website.
Farmer/Rancher Grant Program
This program supports producer-led research, demonstration, and outreach projects that develop and evaluate innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of farming and ranching operations. Projects are led by agricultural producers in collaboration with one or more Technical Advisors. Key program details:
- Project Team: Principal Investigator (producer) + Technical Advisor
- Project Duration: Up to 3 years
- Award Size: Up to $35,000
For more details, please visit the Farmer/Rancher Grant Program website.
Professional Development Grant Program
This program supports education and training activities that increase the knowledge and capacity of agricultural professionals to assist producers in adopting sustainable agriculture practices and deliver effective education and technical assistance. Key program details:
- Project Duration: Up to 3 years
- Award Size: Up to $100,000
For more details, please visit the Professional Development Grant Program website.
Local Education & Demonstration Grant Program
This program supports projects that build upon previous SARE-funded research by demonstrating sustainable agriculture practices and delivering educational activities that promote adoption by producers and agricultural professionals. Key program details:
- Project Duration: Up to 3 years
- Award Size: Up to $60,000
For more details, please visit the Local Education & Demonstration Grant Program website.
Graduate Student Grant Program
This program supports graduate student-led research projects conducted in collaboration with faculty advisors and agricultural producers to address applied sustainable agriculture challenges. Key program details:
- Project team: Graduate student, researcher (PI), and at least one producer
- Project Duration: Up to 3 years
- Award Size: Up to $30,000
For more details, please visit the Graduate Student Grant Program website.
Visiting Research & Education Grant Program (formerly Sabbatical)
This program provides opportunities for researchers to collaborate with producers, agricultural professionals, and research institutions throughout the Western region to conduct research, education, and Extension activities that advance sustainable agriculture. Key program details:
- Project team: Host researcher (PI), Visiting researcher (Co-PI), and at least one producer
- Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
- Project Duration: 1 to 12 months
- Award Size: $35,000 to $75,000
For more details, please visit the Visiting Research & Education Grant Program website.
Additional Information
Western SARE also offers grant-writing webinars and office hours to assist prospective applicants. Please refer to the individual Calls for Proposals (CFPs) available on each program's website for complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and additional program details.