NCR-SARE Seeking Members for Farmer Rancher Review Committee
NCR-SARE is seeking farmers and ranchers to join the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program Review Committee.
Each year, NCR-SARE funds a competitive grant program for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region of the U.S. who are interested in exploring sustainable agriculture. The North Central Region covers 12 states: IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MO, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI. The 29 members of the Farmer Rancher Grant Program Review Committee review the Farmer Rancher Grant proposals. The committee has one in-person meeting where they evaluate the grant proposals and make recommendations to the NCR-SARE Administrative Council on which grants should be funded. The Administrative Council makes final funding decisions.
NCR-SARE strives to have a diverse Farmer Rancher Grant Program Review Committee with representatives from all 12 NCR-SARE states, and expertise in many different areas of farming and ranching. Applicants should have a very good understanding of sustainable agriculture. The typical term is 3 years. About 1/3 of the committee rotates off each year, and new members are needed. NCR-SARE is particularly in need of representation from: Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Review Committee Timeline
- November 29, 2012 - Farmer Rancher Grants proposals due
- Mid to late-December, 2012 - Each Review Committee member receives about 35 to 40 grant proposals to review and rank
- February 26 & 27, 2013 - Review Committee meets in person in Bloomington, MN to discuss the grant proposals and decide which projects to recommend to the AC for funding
NCR-SARE will reimburse meeting expenses including travel, lodging, and food. Farmers and business people who will not be receiving a salary while participating in the in-person meeting are eligible for compensation.
"People who serve on the committee really enjoy reviewing the grants and learning about innovative sustainable agriculture ideas that north central region farmers and ranchers are exploring," said Joan Benjamin, NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator and Associate Regional Director.
***Please note: Members of the Farmer Rancher Grant Review Committee are not eligible to apply for NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grants while serving on the committee.***
Questions and suggestions should be addressed to Joan Benjamin
Joan Benjamin
Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator and Associate Regional Coordinator
NCR-SARE
Lincoln University in Missouri
Lorenzo J. Greene Hall
900 Leslie Blvd, Room 101
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-681-5545
Tollfree: 800-529-1342
E-mail: BenjaminJ@lincolnu.edu
