Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Ideas, proposals sought for ISU 2008 on–farm grant program

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November 6, 2007

AMES, Iowa -- Ideas and proposals are sought for a unique program pairing farmers with Iowa State University researchers to work on topics related to conservation and sustainability.

Proposals are due on Dec. 17 for the 2008 ISU On-Farm Research and Demonstration Grant Program.

The program is a partnership of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Practical Farmers of Iowa. Its goals are to address the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture through collaborative, on-farm research.

During the past two years, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has awarded 21 grants to teams of ISU researchers and farmer collaborators. A total of $50,000 will be awarded in 2008 as one-time individual grants of up to $5,000, or up to $7,000 if more than one producer is involved. Meaningful involvement of both producers and ISU researchers or extension staff should be demonstrated in the proposal and execution of projects.

"Farmers can and do add much to the research process and provide insight and direction on what is needed in today’s agriculture," said Jerry DeWitt, who directs the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and assists the college in the on-farm grant program. "This program recognizes the importance of farmers and researchers working together to tackle emerging problems in the field."

DeWitt said ISU faculty, extension, staff or graduate students must be involved in proposed projects. Farmers with ideas for proposals, or who are interested in participating in on-farm research, are encouraged to contact Rick Exner, ISU-PFI Farming Systems Coordinator at (515) 294-5486, dnexner@iastate.edu. Exner assists in project development by matching scientists and farmers and by providing suggestions on proposal development. Although farmers may not directly apply for the grants, they will be compensated for their contribution to projects.

Primary funding is from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with additional support from the Leopold Center, Extension Sustainable Agriculture Program, Iowa Pork Industry Center, Iowa Beef Center, Extension Value-Added Program and Practical Farmers of Iowa. 

For more info contact:

Jerry DeWitt, Leopold Center, (515) 294-3711, jdewitt@iastate.edu

Rick Exner, ISU-PFI Farming Systems, (515) 294-5486, dnexner@iastate.edu

Brian Meyer, Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications, (515) 294-5616, bmeyer@iastate.edu

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