Policy Updates: Over 500 farmers urge timely release of federal research grants

Over 500 farmers urge timely release of federal research grants (Ag Daily): This week, more than 500 farmers representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and several Tribal Nations urged the Department of Agriculture to release funding for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program on time. Normally announced in March, this year’s call for proposals wasn’t issued until September 11, leaving host institutions little time to process applications before the fiscal year ends. In a September 23 letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the farmers stressed that delays threaten the program’s ability to support regionally tailored, farmer-led research that bolsters farm productivity and competitiveness.

The letter highlighted SARE’s unique role as USDA’s only farmer-led research program, administered through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Since 1988, SARE has supported more than 9,000 projects with nearly $478 million in grants, backing practical solutions for soil health, grazing, value-added markets, and supply chain challenges. Advocates, including the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, emphasized that the program delivers proven results and is critical to addressing today’s mounting pressures on farm viability and rural economies.

By funding on-farm trials, peer-to-peer education, and partnerships with researchers and extension specialists, SARE provides farmers with tools they can apply directly to their operations. The signers argue that keeping this funding pipeline on schedule is essential to ensure agricultural research keeps pace with challenges in soil health, profitability, and global competitiveness.