PRE-CFP NOTICE OF WESTERN REGIONAL SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
EXTENSION TRAINING GRANTS
The 1990 Farm Bill (FACTA) specifies (Title 16, Subtitle B,
Chapter 3, Section 1629) that all Cooperative Extension
agricultural agents (and other agricultural professional, as
appropriate) will be trained in sustainable agriculture
techniques and systems by 1995. Chapter 3 has not been funded
until this year (1994). These funds are will soon be available.
A copy of the general terms of this program is attached.
Specific guidelines for implementation of this training within
each of the four established USDA-SARE (Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education) regions are being developed. As soon as
these specific guidelines for the West are finalized by the
Western Regional SARE Administrative Council, AN OFFICIAL CALL
FOR PROPOSALS (CFP) WILL BE CIRCULATED.
The lead time on this anticipated CFP will be extremely short.
This is due to the constraints of Congressional funding --
coupled with the specific requirements of the FACTA legislation.
Therefore, this pre-announcement is being circulated to give all
interested organizations sufficient time to prepare materials for
proposals. It is anticipated that a CFP will be forthcoming in
April of 1994, with a deadline for submission of proposals by May
16, 1994. Reviews will take place in June of 1994 and successful
applicants will be notified before August 30, 1994.
Proposals will likely be requested (simultaneously) for:
1. A Regional Training Consortia/Network
Coordinator... (It has been determined that
the regional training center will NOT be a
specific "bricks and mortar" program -- but a
network/consortia of training programs.)
2. Training projects... These would be specific
training projects that would assist in
training Extension Agents and associated
professionals (USDA-SCS, USDA-ASCS,
USDA-FmHA, NGO-representatives, Certified
Crop Consultants, etc.) in sustainable
agriculture techniques and systems.
Such training might include:
a. Training symposia.
b. In-field training and
demonstrations.
c. Specific outcome-based
instructional modules.
d. Satellite-delivered training, etc.
Please give serious consideration to preparing proposals for this
important requirement of the 1990 Farm Bill.
Direct questions and comments to:
V. Philip Rasmussen, Ph.D.
Incoming Coordinator, Western Regional SARE/ACE Program
Utah State University
A.S.T.E. Building -- UMC2300
Logan, Utah 84322-2300
Phone: 801-750-2257
FAX: 801-750-4002
EMAIL: SOILCOMP@CC.USU.EDU