The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) was authorized as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and first funded in 1988 as LISA (Low-Input Sustainable Agriculture) program. The name was changed to SARE in the early 1990s to reflect the broader scope of the principles of sustainable agriculture and to express the dual mission of research and education.
From its inception, the program’s goal has been to support farmers, researchers, and educators as they explore practices that improve stewardship, profitability, and the social and economic health of farm communities.
The primary tools of the SARE program are grants, which are offered annually to farmers, researchers, educators, non-profits, community based organizations and community activists in the agricultural community. Grants are not the only tools, but grant funds are understood to be the chief lubricant in the development of new approaches and new ideas. SARE seeks out innovation in sustainable agriculture, and rewards grant applicants who offer up interesting, potentially workable ideas. The SARE program also emphasizes outreach and the dissemination of project results so that the grant program will have the widest possible benefits.
SARE’s national outreach office is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. It operates under cooperative agreements with the University of Maryland and the University of Vermont (Award Nos. 2007-38640-03953 and 2007-47001-03782) to develop and disseminate information about sustainable agriculture. Guided by a Steering Committee, SARE Outreach maintains the website and publishes a variety of print and electronic resources for farmers, agricultural educators, and consumers. It also hosts SANET-MG, a sustainable agriculture listserv with subscribers from around the globe.
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
Every day, farmers and ranchers around the world develop new, innovative strategies to produce and distribute food, fuel and fiber sustainably. Learn about key best practices and the people using them.
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The focus of Microloans is on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.
To learn more contact your local office or USDA Service Center to learn more about the programs. You should also be able to locate a listing in the telephone directory in the section set aside for governmental/public organizations under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. The local FSA office staffs are happy to help you and discuss our loan programs with you in more detail.
Note. Some sections may not be updated for 2023. Please see labels for potential changes.
Maximum profits in row crop production depend on successful and accurate diagnosis of disease or insect damage. An accurate diagnosis can aid farmers in the implementation of an effective integrated pest management program. One important part of diagnosis is plant tissue samples to help identify issues and determine best management options.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System supports two plant diagnostic laboratories. One is at Auburn University; the other is located in Birmingham at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University provides three services: plant problem diagnosis, soil nematode analysis, and insect identification. Plant problems sent to the lab include diseases, nematode injury, insect damage, chemical damage, environmental stress, horticultural and agronomic problems, or wildlife damage.
Plant samples at the Auburn University Plant Diagnostic Lab are initially examined by a plant pathologist. Some samples may then be referred to Extension specialists in entomology, agronomy, horticulture, or wildlife.
In addition to plant problem diagnosis, soil nematode analysis, and insect identification, plants are also received for identification. These plants are referred to agronomists and horticulturists who typically respond to the inquiries.
Download Submitting Samples for Diagnosis, Analysis and Identification, IPM-1294.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.
Grain sorghum production depends on an effective and economical insect management program.
To plan such a program, producers must determine whether insects are present and the amount of damage being done. The “tools of technology” available in managing grain sorghum insects are cultural practices, the selective use of insecticides, insect scouting, transgenic varieties, and beneficial arthropods. The effectiveness of these tools can be maximized when used by all growers over a large area. Insect management does not mean reduction of the insect population to zero; instead it means a reduction below the level of economic damage.
This guide was compiled by both current and former Extension entomologists, plant pathologists, weed scientists, and a pesticide education specialist.
Download the Grain Sorghum IPM Guide, IPM-0429.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.
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