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SARE Farmer/Rancher GrantGrant

NIFA (via SARE regions) · California

Program Overview

Grants for on-farm research into sustainable practices. Test cover crops, rotational grazing, reduced tillage, new varieties — and get paid to do it.

Program Details
$5,000–$30,000 depending on SARE region (individual or team project)
Varies by region, typically fall or winter
Your SARE regional office (online application)
Medium — online application with project narrative, manageable for a farmer
Required Documents
  • Farm description
  • Project plan
  • Simple budget
  • Outreach plan
Forms
  • Online application — project narrative, budget, outreach plan
Priority Advantages

The following groups may receive priority consideration for this program:

Pro Tip: This is one of the few competitive grants designed for individual farmers (not universities). Extension involvement strengthens your application.
Recent Awards in California
University Of California, Davis
$4.3M · Specialty Crop Research Initiative
Community Housing & Credit Counseling Center
$4.2M · Rural Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance
Food & Agriculture, California Department Of
$1.1M · Market Protection And Promotion
Fresno Irrigation District
$1.0M · Community Facilities Loans And Grants
Your Local NIFA (via SARE regions) Office
NRCS Livermore Local Partnership Office
3585 Greenville Rd Suite 2, Livermore, CA 94550-6707
(925) 453-3866
NRCS Jackson Lpo
12200-B Airport Road, Jackson, CA 95642-2330
(209) 714-8045
Find more offices in California →
Frequently Asked Questions

Who may qualify for SARE in California?

Grants for on-farm research into sustainable practices. Test cover crops, rotational grazing, reduced tillage, new varieties — and get paid to do it. Contact your local NIFA (via SARE regions) office in California for specific eligibility requirements.

How much does SARE pay?

Value range: $5,000–$30,000 depending on SARE region (individual or team project). Actual amounts depend on your specific situation, crops, and acreage.

When is the SARE deadline?

Varies by region, typically fall or winter. Contact your local NIFA (via SARE regions) office for the most current dates.

How do I apply for SARE in California?

Apply at Your SARE regional office (online application). Required forms: Online application — project narrative, budget, outreach plan.

Related Programs in California
VAPG (Value-Added Producer Grant)Grant
Rural Development · Annual, typically spring (check grants.gov)
REAP (Rural Energy for America Program)Grant
Rural Development · Quarterly application windows
Specialty Crop Block GrantGrant
AMS · Varies by state — check your state department of agriculture
FMPP (Farmers Market Promotion Program)Grant
AMS · Annual, typically spring (check ams.usda.gov)
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development ProgramGrant
NIFA · Varies
Learn More at USDA →

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Program information sourced from USDA. Eligibility described here is general guidance only. Confirm at your local FSA or NRCS office. FarmGrant is not affiliated with USDA.