Four Northeast SARE Programs Calling for Proposals - $6.9M in Funding Available

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Audra Lavoie

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Nov 18, 2025, 1:55:18 PMNov 18

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Good morning everyone,

Northeast SARE Calls for Large Grant Proposals, $6.9M in Funding Available Across Four Grant Programs

Nearly seven million dollars in funding is now available for sustainable agriculture projects taking place in the Northeast beginning in 2026.

Four Northeast SARE programs have released calls for proposals for projects beginning in 2026. The Farming Community, Professional Development, Research & Education, and Research for Novel Approaches Calls for Proposals have been updated for the 2026 grant cycle, including a reduced page count to make the application process even simpler.

By law, projects that Northeast SARE funds must help improve farming in at least one of the following ways:

1. Maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil;

2. Conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat;

3. Maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water;

4. Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system;

5. Promote the wellbeing of animals; and

6. Increase employment opportunities in agriculture.

These goals come from the federal legislation that guides all Northeast SARE grants. Every proposal must show how it supports one or more of these priorities.

Research and Education Grants - $1.56M available, Proposals due 5 p.m. EST February 2, 2026

The purpose of the Research and Education grant program is to invest in education for farmers that leads to changes in farmer behavior, decision-making, and/or practices. These changes must increase the sustainability of farming in the Northeast United States.

A Research and Education project can also include an applied research component, related to the educational activities.

Research for Novel Approaches Grants - $1.3M available, Proposals due 5 p.m. EST February 2, 2026

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Professional Development Grants - $750,000 available, Proposals due 5 p.m. EST February 2, 2026

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

Farming Community Grants - $3.3M available, Proposals due 5 p.m. EST February 23, 2026

Northeast SARE Farming Community Grants apply social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level. These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast.

This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

Northeast SARE staff will be hosting 3 Q&A sessions on the four large grant programs: Registration is available at northeast.sare.org/largegrantqa where all session recording and questions will be posted. Sessions will take place on:

Monday, December 8, 2025 from noon – 1pm EST

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10am – 11am EST

Wednesday January 14, 2026 from 4pm – 5pm EST

Each session requires a separate registration.

Northeast SARE covers the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.