Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports graduate student research on topics specific to sustainable agriculture; improve the environmental quality and sustainability of the natural resource base on which agriculture depends; improve the profitability of agricultural producers; and enhance the quality of life of farmers/ranchers in rural/agricultural communities.
Donor Name: Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
State: Selected States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/05/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
This grant program involves full-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited university of Western U.S., their academic advisor and at least one producer implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. Projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated throughout educational outreach activities.
The goal of this program is to achieve results that can be communicated to producers and other agricultural professionals. Proposals must be written by the student who will coordinate and conduct the project with the guidance of their major professor/advisor and agricultural producers in the Western U.S.
This program funds projects that address the three components of sustainable agriculture – environmental, economic, and social. Although your project could mainly focus on one of the three components of sustainable agriculture, the other two components should be addressed as well.
Western SARE funds may be used for expenses specific to the student applicant research project, including: salaries and benefits, contracted services, supplies, tools, communication, farm equipment rental, travel, minor equipment that costs less than $5,000, minor repairs and maintenance, and participant/trainee support. Indirect costs recovery is allowed and capped at 10 percent of the total direct costs requested.
Funding Information
The cap on a Western SARE Graduate Student Grant is $30,000 for up to 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria
Any graduate student enrolled at an accredited college or university in the Western region who is proposing to conduct research and education relevant to farmers and ranchers. A student applicant may receive only one Western SARE Graduate Student Grant during their graduate studies.
For more information, visit Western SARE.
