The Southern region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program is seeking nominations for its Sustainable Agriculture Leadership Program for spring/summer 2022. The application deadline is January 1, 2022.

The Sustainable Agriculture Leadership Program recognizes the community leadership contributions of historically underserved farmers and ranchers and the community groups and NGOs who serve those audiences.

The purpose of the program is to enhance the resiliency, strength and vivacity of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. Such groups include minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American), beginning farmers and ranchers, military veterans and women farmers.

In order to recognize those contributions in the sustainable agriculture community across the Southern region, the Sustainable Agriculture Leadership Program provides a small amount of sponsorship funds (up to $3,000) to support education and training activities specifically targeted to historically underserved farmers and ranchers. Youth-related projects are not eligible.

In order to be considered, the application form must be completed and emailed to Brennan Washington by January 1, 2022. Southern SARE will review the applications during the February Administrative Council meeting. Selected recipients will be notified by email shortly thereafter.

If selected, education and training activities must be completed by July 15, 2022. A post project evaluation is required.

For more information or to apply, refer to the Sustainable Ag Leadership Program packet, (which includes the program requirements and application form), or contact Brennan Washington by email or phone (478-825-6263).