Apply for 2026 NCR-SARE Graduate Grants by April 16

By Blake Jackson

The 2026 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Graduate Student Grant Program is now accepting proposals. Full details and application materials are available through the programs online portal. All proposals must be submitted electronically by April 16 at 12 p.m. at Central Time.

To help prospective applicants, NCR-SARE will host an informational Zoom webinar on March 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. Central Time. The session will walk participants through the application process and provide guidance on preparing a competitive proposal. Registration is available online.

Graduate students enrolled at colleges and universities within the North Central region are eligible to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to support sustainable agriculture research projects that are part of their academic programs.

For 2026, approximately $400,000 has been allocated to fund an estimated 20 projects. Individual awards, which increased to $20,000 this year, may support projects lasting as long as 36 months. In 2025, the program received 132 applications and awarded funding to 22 projects.

Funded research has historically focused on improving farm profitability, strengthening environmental stewardship, and enhancing the quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to collaborate with farmers and ranchers as active partners in their research.

Project selections are made by NCR-SARE’s Administrative Council, a diverse group of agricultural stakeholders representing farming, ranching, Extension, universities, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Since 1988, SARE, part of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has advanced sustainable farming through competitive research and education grants. Questions may be directed to Betsy Wieland at eliza003@umn.edu or 612-626-6556.

Photo Credit: ncr-sare