Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
- Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research
- Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants
- Cooperative Forestry Research
- Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act
- Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University
- Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants
- Animal Health and Disease Research
- Agricultural and Rural Economic Research
- Cooperative Extension Service
- Forestry Research
Examples of Funded Projects
Support of the National Sustainable Agriculture Program; Mainstreaming Principles of Sustainability in Agriculture; National Rollout of Agricultural Entrepreneurs Curriculum; and Evaluation of National Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Projects.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
Program Accomplishments
The program is a major catalyst and facilitator of alternative agricultural systems for the future. Programs are designed to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to minimize environmental degradation; improve and increase low-input farm management to enhance productivity and profitability; and promote crop and livestock enterprise diversification.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may not be used to pay indirect costs or tuition.
Funds may be used for transportation, per diem, salaries, office supplies, printing, and other direct costs for conducting approved activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Land-grant colleges or universities, other universities, State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with demonstrable expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Land-grant colleges or universities, other universities, State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with demonstrable expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and approved by OMB must be used for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019 or A-102 as implemented by 7 CFR 3016. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and approved by OMB must be used for this program.
Award Procedures
Regional technical committees will review, rank and prioritize proposals received from public and private organizations and make recommendations for funding to the regional administrative councils. Regional administrative councils will approve proposals for funding and associated plans of work and submit them to USDA. Research and education subcommittee on sustainable agriculture will review plans of work and the Department will give final approval.
Deadlines
Contact the Headquarters office for application deadlines.
Authorization
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985, Public Law 99-198, Sections 1461-1471, 7 U.S.C. 4701-4710; Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 1621, 7 U.S.C. 5811.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 to 180 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
There are no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Agreements will be supported for periods of one to five years. Funds are released by the electronic transfer system and reimbursement by Treasury check.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Standard reporting as required by OMB Circular Nos.
A-102 and A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3016 or 7 CFR Part 3019, respectively.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Standard records required by OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3016 or 7 CFR Part 3019, respectively, must be maintained for three years.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1500-0-1-352.
Obigations
FY 07 $11,490,336; FY 08 est $8,553,168; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$8,000 to $1,752,250. Average: $855,540.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Sections 1472 and 1473A of the National Agricultural Research Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; and 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Organizations.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Deputy Administrator, Economic and Community Systems, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-7948.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The primary selection process will be done by the regional technical committees and administrative councils, with subsequent approval by the Department of Agriculture. Criteria used at the regional level include: (1) Does the proposed work fulfill the intent of Congress and Departmental policy, as articulated in guidelines prepared by CSREES? (2) Is the subject matter highly relevant to producers in this region with regard to finding profitable low input methods and systems of production? (3) Are specific provisions made for presenting in readily usable form those findings that are directly applicable to producers? (4) Do the various categories of public and private organizations have a meaningful opportunity to participate in shaping and implementing the program?
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
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