NEC1005: The Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
NEC1005: The Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
Duration: 10/01/2001 to 09/30/2006
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
Sustainable agriculture (SA) is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
- Satisfy human food and fiber needs;
- Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
- Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
- Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and,
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
SA has been proven to be economically viable and profitable. SA practices also improve the quality of life of farmers, farm families, and farm communities. Sustainable agriculture is ecologically sound and gives recognition to the fact that production practices must preserve the resource base that sustains all of agriculture.
Sustainable agriculture practices address pest management, cultural practices, soil fertility, and profitability, and actively seek out farming techniques that speak to the long-term viability of agriculture. Multi-state collaboration has proven to be an effective way to plan activities, and share task responsibilities.
Objectives
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Develop and maintain diversified agricultural and forestry systems that enhance the economic, environmental, and social health of the Northeast for present and future generations.
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Support production, processing, and marketing systems that sustain rural communities and support agricultural activities in the region's rural, urban, and suburban areas.
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Promote good stewardship of the land by utilizing production techniques and land management practices that prevent erosion, improve soil health, and minimize water and air pollution.
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Promote greater diversity among farms and within individual farms, as well as more management-intensive practices that are safe and environmentally sound.
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Profitably employ more people in agricultural enterprises, both in full-and part-time capabilities.
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Contribute to the quality of life for producers, communities, and society as a whole.
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Encourage farm and non-farm citizens in a process of discovery and learning that will support a more sustainable agricultural system.
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Encourage an infrastructure for food processing and distribution that focuses on regional markets, strategically uses national and global markets, and enables producers to receive economic benefits from "value-added" products.
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Improve public understanding of the region's agricultural base, farming, farm products, and policies and programs that are conducive to sustainable agricultural systems.
Procedures and Activities
Expected Outcomes and Impacts
- Better stewardship of the land.
- Improved nutrient management cycling through profitable use of agricultural by-products and wastes.
- Greater cooperation among farmers, and new and strengthened partnerships between farmers, consumers, environmentalists, scientists, educators, government, and agribusiness.
- Improved public understanding of the region's agricultural base, farming, farm products, and policies and programs that are conducive to sustainable agricultural systems.
Projected Participation
View Appendix E: ParticipationEducational Plan
Direct participation by NE Cooperative Extension specialists and agents will be supplemented by extensive information on the Center's home page.
Organization/Governance
The Northeast Region's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) governed by a Board of Directors, and managed by a director. Constituent members nominate members to the Board. The Board is responsible for oversight of the NE SARE competitive grants program that supports regional programs and projects in research and education. SARE funding is authorized under Subtitle B of Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, and made available through an annual appropriation.
Literature Cited