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11-6-07
IDEAS, PROPOSALS SOUGHT FOR ISU 2008 ON-FARM GRANT PROGRAM
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.
Research topic areas, submission instructions and other information are
available on the Leopold Center web site,
http://www.leopold.iastate.edu.
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 information,
contact:
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