The Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture

	Jean-Paul Courtens of Kinderhook, N.Y., was a 2004 Madden award winner.

Biennially, SARE recognizes 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 recognizes 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.

2008 Winners

2006 Winners

2004 Winners

2002 Winners

Award Criteria

Eligibility
All producers currently farming in the United States and its protectorates are eligible. The 2006 contest recognized four winners in contests run in each SARE region. The next contest will take place in 2008.

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

For more information, contact SARE Communications Specialist.

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