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The Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has released Calls for Proposals for five of its flagship grant opportunities to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities. The open grant programs (detailed below) consist of the Research and Education Program Pre-Proposal; the Professional + Producer Program; the Farmer/Rancher Program; the Professional Development Program; and the Local Education and Demonstration Program. Applications are due in November (see program-specific deadlines below).

What is SARE?

SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture that provides competitive grants and educational materials. The SARE grant program mission is to advance innovations that improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life in American agriculture by investing in groundbreaking research and education. SARE consists of four regional centers that operate as separate entities and run grant programs for their states, each of which has its own mix of grant programs currently open. Western SARE is hosted by Montana State University.

What Western SARE Grant Programs Are Now Open?

Research and Education Pre-Proposal – Due November 10, 2025

This program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture – environmental, economic, and social – and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and stakeholders.

• Researchers from Western institutions may apply; projects must incorporate research and education and bring together a team of researchers, students, ag professionals, and producers.
• Total funds requested may not exceed $350,000 over the entire budget period.
• Projects may begin September 1, 2026 and must be 1-3 years in length.
• The Research and Education 2026 Call for Pre-Proposals can be found here.

Professional + Producer – Due November 20, 2025

This grant program involves an agricultural technical advisor (main applicant) working with producers to implement projects that address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the collaboration of at least three producers, projects must integrate research and education aiming to advance the environmental, economic, and social components of agricultural sustainability and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to producers and other agricultural stakeholders.

• Projects require a team of at least four people, including an Agricultural Professional (any professional assisting agricultural producers, such as Cooperative Extension specialists, university faculty or researchers, USDA-NRCS field staff, agricultural consultants, or a nonprofit organization’s staff, are eligible to serve as Principal Investigator), and at least three independent Producers.
• The Professional + Producer Program provides a maximum of $85,000 (including Indirect Costs) for up to three years. Funds are awarded to the PI’s organization.
• Projects cannot exceed three years. Start dates must be no earlier than May 1, 2026, and no later than October 1, 2026.
• The Professional + Producer Grant Program 2026 Call for Proposals can be found here.

Farmer/Rancher – Due November 20, 2025

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. Recognizing that producers are always innovating and improving on-farmer/ranch practices, this program aims to honor producer innovation by funding on-farm research that benefits and is led by producers themselves. With a Farmer/Rancher Grant, an agricultural producer serving as the main applicant and Principal Investigator works with a Technical Advisor to conduct research and outreach to address social, environmental, and economic aspects of agricultural sustainability.

• A person qualifies as an eligible producer (farmer/rancher) if they have a for-profit operation, their primary occupation is farming or ranching, and they have a farm/ranch taxpayer identification number; AND/OR they are a part-time producer with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from farming or ranching activities.
• The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program provides a maximum funding of $35,000 for up to 3 years.
• Projects may be 1-3 years in length and cannot exceed 36 months. Start dates must be no earlier than May 1, 2026 and no later than October 1, 2026.
• The Farmer/Rancher Grant Program 2026 Call for Proposals can be found here.

Professional Development Program – Due November 20, 2025

Professional Development projects must improve the ability of agricultural professionals to conduct educational programs and activities in sustainable agriculture principles and systems and to respond to inquiries on the subject from farmers, ranchers, and the public. In a “train the trainer” fashion, this program focuses on increasing knowledge and capacity for agricultural stakeholders to provide further training and information to other agricultural professionals and producers. Project approaches can include, but are not limited to Workshops; Conferences; Curricula or Materials Development; Demonstrations; Web-based courses; Tours; and Digital Media.

• The funding limit for the Professional Development Program grant is $100,000. These grants are cost reimbursable only.
• Projects may be 1-3 years in length. Project start and end dates are chosen by the PI with the earliest start date being May 1, 2026 and cannot exceed 36 months.
• The Professional Development Program 2026 Call for Proposals can be found here.

Local Education and Demonstration Grants – Due November 20, 2025

The Local Education and Demonstration grant program is founded on the understanding that adopting sustainable agricultural practice(s) entails change and managing potential financial, environmental, and social risks. The implementation of demonstration and/or education events can address local issues related to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, bolstering confidence in adoption, and reducing risks. Successful proposals are required to integrate findings from previously-funded SARE research projects, translate those results into practical demonstrations of application, and bring those results into the field through demonstration and/or educational activities for agricultural professionals and producers. Strategies to conduct education and/or demonstration for adopting sustainable agricultural practices include, but are not limited to local demonstrations; trainings; focus groups; providing technical assistance; developing educational materials; and the application of research results by farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, governmental agencies, or non-governmental agencies.

• Applicants may request up to $60,000 total costs for the Local Education and Demonstration grant program. Proposals selected for funding will be issued cost-reimbursable subaward agreements.
• Projects may be 1-3 years in length. Project start dates must be no earlier than May 1, 2026 and no later than October 1, 2026 and cannot exceed 36 months.
• The Local Education and Demonstration 2026 Call for Proposals can be found here.

For more information on these grants or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.