The Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture
From 2002 to 2008, SARE presented a biennial award recognizing farmers and ranchers who raise food or fiber in ways that are profitable, good for families and communities, and beneficial to the environment. The award is named for SARE's first director, Patrick Madden, who was a pioneer in the movement toward a strong, independent agriculture.
The Madden Award recognized producers who 1) have conducted innovative research that explores ways to make farming more profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities and/or 2) who have served as effective educators about sustainable agriculture practices and systems with their peers or others in the community.
Sponsored by SARE, the award features a $1,000 honorarium and travel scholarships to a SARE regional/national conference.
Award Criteria
The Patrick Madden Award is not being administered at this time.
Eligibility
All producers currently farming in the United States and its protectorates are eligible.
Selection Criteria
The Patrick Madden Award goes to nominees who meet several or all of the following criteria:
- Success in making farming systems more profitable over the long term
- Ability to use farming practices that enhance, rather than harm, natural resources
- Leading—or participation in—activities that support viable communities, either through economic development or contribution to regional food system
- Effective outreach and/or education about sustainable agriculture ideas and practices to others, such as producers, community leaders, agricultural educators and the general public
