For applications, contact:                      
North Central Region SARE    
402-472-7081     
402-472-0280 (fax)  
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<A HREF="www.sare.org/ncrsare">www.sare.org/ncrsare</A>


For more information, contact:
Bill Wilcke, Regional Coordinator
612-625-8205
612-624-3005 (fax)
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       Sustainable Agricultural Program Calls for Grant Preproposals

LINCOLN, NEBR.: Members of institutions and organizations from the North
Central Region are invited to apply for 2004 Research and Education Grants
through the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education (NCR-SARE) program.

      NCR-SARE estimates that about $1.5 million will be available for 10
to 15 grants by the summer of 2004. Individual grants cannot exceed
$150,000.

      Grants can be one to three years in length and must address
sustainable agricultural topics with in-depth research or
education/demonstration projects. Successful preproposals will address the
long-term enhancement of agricultural profitability, environmental quality
and societal well-being.

      "We are pleased that interested citizens and the federal government
support the SARE program and make these funds available for research and
education projects that will make agriculture more sustainable," says Bill
Wilcke, Regional Coordinator for the NCR-SARE program.

      NCR-SARE encourages projects that include holistic approaches,
interdisciplinary team involvement, agricultural producer participation,
significant outreach and measurable results. Projects should pertain to
issues within the North Central Region.

      The Call for Preproposals is currently accessible at the NCR-SARE
office at 402-472-7081 or through its website at
www.sare.org/ncrsare/cfp.htm. Preproposals will be accepted in the NCR-SARE
office until June 10, 2003, at 4:30 p.m. CDT. Successful preproposal
authors will be invited to submit full proposals that will be due fall
2003.

      The Research and Education Grant Program is one of four NCR-SARE
grant programs. It provides funds to collaborative teams of scientists,
farmers, educators, institutions and organizations to explore sustainable
agriculture through research, education or demonstration.

      NCR-SARE is a competitive grants program, funded by the U.S.D.A.,
that strengthens rural communities, increases farmer/rancher profitability
and improves environmental quality by supporting research and education.
States included in the North Central Region are North and South Dakota,
Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan,
Indiana and Ohio.


                                    ###



Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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www.iowa.sierraclub.org

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