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.
Northeast SARE staff will be hosting 3 Q&A sessions on the four large grant programs: Farming Community, Professional Development, Research & Education, and Research for Novel Approaches. Registration is available below.
Monday, December 8, 2025 from noon – 1pm EST
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10am – 11am EST
Wednesday January 14, 2026 from 4pm – 5pm EST
Recordings of the sessions will be posted here after they take place.
Frequently Asked Questions
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List of Large Grant Questions and Answers
List will be updated following each Q&A Session
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Research and Education Grant
Funds education projects that focus on farmers and changes they make that lead to greater sustainability; projects may included an applied research component.
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Research for Novel Approaches
Provides funding for applied sustainable agriculture research for which farmer adoption is not yet realistic.
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Professional Development Grant
Funds train-the-trainer projects that increase the knowledge, skills, understanding, and abilities of service providers to teach farmers about sustainable practices and approaches.
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Farming Community Grant
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.
