 "These grants will help ensure Illinois farmers continue to
practice the most modern farming techniques, and that our
state's rich, fertile soils remain productive for generations of
farmers to come," said Agriculture Director Bob Flider. "They
will be awarded for on-farm research and demonstrations,
educational outreach, and university research projects."
On-farm research and demonstration grants are primarily for
producers and farm-based nonprofit organizations. Funded
projects will research and demonstrate production practices on
working farms that characterize a sustainable agriculture
system. Individual farmers are strongly encouraged to apply.
The goal of outreach and education projects is to build
credibility for sustainable agriculture issues. Proposals should
either inform the general public about sustainable food systems
or instruct farmers about the use of sustainable agriculture
practices and alternative marketing strategies.
University research projects should contain clear objectives
and seek to answer questions or address problems in the
development of sustainable agriculture systems.
Any unit of government, organization, educational
institution, nonprofit group or individual is eligible to
receive funding through the program. Individuals may receive
grants of up to $10,000, while governmental units, nonprofit
groups, institutions and organizations qualify for awards of up
to $20,000.
"These grants are targeted toward small
but meaningful projects that address agriculture
sustainability," said Laura Sova, division manager for natural
resources. "They advance Gov. Pat Quinn's agenda to achieve
environmental sustainability."
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An independent, 11-member committee will review the grant
applications and recommend funding decisions.
The grant program is one component of the department's
multifaceted approach for improving water quality by minimizing the
delivery of nutrients intended for crops into rivers, lakes and
streams. Limiting nutrient runoff is key to reducing the Gulf of
Mexico's hypoxic zone. In addition, projects funded through the
program help demonstrate that voluntary, innovative farming
practices for protecting water quality are indeed working in an
effective manner.
Program guidelines and application forms are available on the
Illinois Department of Agriculture website at
www.agr.state.il.us/C2000/
common/SAguidelines.pdf. Questions should be directed to the
program manager, Mike Rahe, at
mike.rahe@illinois.gov
or 217-785-5594.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Agriculture
file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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