For applications, contact: North Central Region SARE 402-472-7081 402-472-0280 (fax) [log in to unmask] <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) [log in to unmask] 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 [log in to unmask] www.iowa.sierraclub.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]