Agroecosystems research
Background
Northeast SARE seeks preproposals for long-term research projects that will explore ecological interactions that are the basis of sustainable agriculture. Our goal is to develop a greater understanding of these interactions and to promote new models of farming systems designed around them so that in the future farmers will be able to minimize the use of external, energy-dependent inputs while optimizing the use of on-site natural resources to maintain productivity.
Agroecosystems research is complex and requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that takes many years to complete. Projects, to be effective, are likely to exceed the time limits of Northeast SARE’s normal funding cycle. This kind of research will also be more expensive than projects we typically fund. This is why we are issuing a separate call for preproposals.
Northeast SARE expects that only a few project preproposals will be selected to submit proposals for a full review. We anticipate that a single three-year project, in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, will be funded. A match of at least 50 percent of the SARE commitment will be required. Phase-two proposals requesting additional funding after the initial project period will be expected, and approved, based on satisfactory project review. As with all our grants, awards are contingent on the availability of funds.
Agroecosystems research
The research that Northeast SARE seeks to fund will develop and study new models for how we might maintain agricultural production with very limited direct and indirect energy inputs in the future. The ultimate goal of this research will be to develop innovative approaches to farming that optimiz e the use of energy, natural nutrient and water cycles, and natural biological controls for weeds, insects, and diseases, as well as the variety of inputs that are used on farms.
Improving our understanding of how farming systems can be designed to make better use of biodiversity and natural cycles to maintain productivity will allow us to be better prepared to meet society’s food needs in the future. Thus the farming systems proposed for study need not, and probably should not, be applicable or appropriate to today’s economic conditions or available agricultural production technology. However, a lot individual farming practices that promote sustainability in our region already exist. Research should concentrate on integrating and adapting these practices into more complex, synergistic systems.
As mentioned above, Northeast SARE recognizes that this type of research is difficult to complete within the normal time limits allowed by our Research and Education grant funding program. To deal with this limitation while promoting long-term studies, we request that applicants propose discrete segments of research that describe verifiable research outcomes that can be determined and reported in three-year cycles. To facilitate the continuation of studies, Northeast SARE intends to conduct a project review in the third year, and, if it is favorable, to provide funding for a second project segment under a new grant agreement.
To assure that projects are holistic in nature, proposals should include a specific description of how collaboration across disciplines will be accomplished. To assure the ongoing engagement of the research team, key individuals with complimentary areas of expertise will be expected to provide a portion of their time as match over the duration of the project. The total personnel time provided as match must be at least 50 percent of Northeast SARE funds requested.
A project leader with demonstrated expertise in agroecosystems research will be expected to provide evidence of his or her personal and institutional commitment to carrying on a long-term agroecology study that some may consider unconventional or outside research norms. Assurance must also be provided that the physical location of the research will remain available for the duration of the project, should it be funded for two or even three grant cycles, or six to six to nine years.
Although this research could take place on a commercial farm, Northeast SARE recognizes that economic constraints and barriers implicit to this type of systems research probably mean that a research farm is a more appropriate setting.
Outcomes
Each project should have defined research outcomes that contribute in a specific way to the pool of knowledge about sustainable agriculture and agroecosystem design. Achievement-of-knowledge outcomes could, for example, be assessed by the number and quality of published research findings and research reports that are suitable for outreach. Specific performance targets that predict change—and often include the adoption of new farm practices—are a usual requirement for Northeast SARE Research and Education grants. While these performance targets are not required for agroecosystems research projects, preproposals that identify the enhancements to environmentally sound production practices, impacts on other research efforts, and the potential for farmer adoption will be given priority.
Preproposal content
A preproposal is a brief concept document providing the broad outlines of a project proposal. We ask that you provide a clear vision or concept of sustainability that describes the intellectual as well as the phyosical foundations for the project. The challenge is to convey the key elements of the project’s inquiry and the basis for the project’s design. Your preproposal should clearly state the project's research goals (no more than 200 words), which should predict reports and other project products. This should be followed by a brief (under 400 words) narrative addressing the overall content of the research including where and how it will be conducted and what type of knowledge will be gained. You also need to describe the individual members of the research team and what they will bring to the project (less than 200 words), and give a preliminary project budget that explains how funds will be used and how the required match will be provided (100 words).
The preproposal process is competitive, and only applicants whose preproposal is approved will be asked to submit a full proposal. Preproposals are submitted via e-mail using a Word template, and the deadline for 2009 grants is May 31, 2008.
2009 Agroecosystems preproposal
Full proposal
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