REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
2000-2001 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE GRADUATE AWARDS (SAGA)
Introduction
Topics and Approaches
Criteria
Funding
Format
How to Apply
Publications and Final Report
PROPOSALS DUE: APRIL 11, 2000
The UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) is soliciting new proposals for grants to graduate students conducting research that will advance the mission and goals of this program.
Mission: SAREP is a statewide program providing leadership and support for scientific research and education that promote agricultural and food systems that are economically viable, sustain natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state's diverse communities.
Program Goals: SAREP will provide leadership for collaborative efforts to ensure that:
- California farmers and ranchers are more able to manage their land and businesses in ways that are economically viable and that protect and enhance both human and natural resources and biodiversity.
- Consumers have a closer connection to agriculture and California’s rural and urban communities are strengthened through participation in sustainable food systems.
- Government programs and policies encourage and support the development of sustainable farms, ranches and communities in California.
Registered graduate students (Master’s or Ph.D.) attending any accredited institution of higher learning in California are eligible for SAGA. Students whose faculty advisors are a member of SAREP’s Public Advisory Committee (PAC) or Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) are not eligible. SAREP staff and members of SAREP’s PAC or TAC may not participate as cooperators on any proposals. Current Advisory Committee members are: PAC - Robert Bornt, Frank Da wley, Tess Dunham, Debra Denton, Jeff Dlott, Mark Lipson, Randii MacNear, Tim O'Neill, Scott Paulsen, An Peischel, Jim Rider, Frank Tamborello, Diego Vasquez, and Beth von Gunten; TAC - Ernst Biberstein, Ted Bradshaw, Holly Brown-Williams, Rachel Mabie, Carlos Murillo, Doreen Stabinsky, Mike Stanghellini, Caroline Stull, Jo Ann Wheatley, and Cheryl Wilen.
Proposals will be accepted on a broad range of topics and issues, but we are particularly interested in projects that address-- The sustainability of crop and livestock systems. Topics in this area include, but are not limited to:
- Integrated crop management systems, including organic production systems
- Soil and water quality
- Preventive and biological approaches to pest management
- Range management and controlled grazing
- Agroforestry practices (alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming, windbreaks and
riparian buffer strips)
[Grants for agroforestry projects will be supported from a special donor-directed fund established through a grant from the International Tree Crops Institute USA Inc. General information about temperate agroforestry practices can be obtained by contacting: National Agroforestry Center, USDA NRCS/FS, East Campus-UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583, Tel. (402) 437-5178, www.unl.edu/nac. Association for Temperate Agroforestry, 1-30 Agriculture Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, Tel. (573) 882-3647, www.missouri.edu/~afta.]
The relationship between farmers, consumers, and communities in food systems. Topics in this area include, but are not limited to:
- Community food systems - direct or local marketing strategies, consumer education, and community and economic development, community food security
- Urban agriculture - urban farming, market gardening
- Labeling for consumer information - eco-labeling, genetically modified organisms, fair trade
- Public policy – land use, water, ag chemical use, genetic engineering, farm labor, food policy
We strongly recommend that applicants consult our free publications for a fuller discussion of SAREP’s goals (What is Sustainable Agriculture? and Biennial Report: 1997-1999) and examples of past projects (Winter 1999 edition of our newsletter, Sustainable Agriculture). All are available on our Web site at www.sarep.ucdavis.edu or by request from SAREP, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, telephone (530) 752-7556.
Proposals will be evaluated in these areas:
- Relevance to SAREP’s mission and program goals;
- Feasibility of obtaining the project goals by the methods stated; and
- Qualifications of the applicant.
Each candidate may receive only one such award during her or his graduate student career. Awards are limited to $3,000.
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for the following purposes:
- Supplies;
- Equipment (including computer software; any equipment obtained becomes the property of the university funded);
- Photocopying;
- Special texts not readily available;
- Farm equipment rental or operating charges; and
- Travel necessary for the project.
Funds may not be used for the following purposes:
- Indirect overhead charges;
- Travel to scholarly meetings;
- Computer hardware or time;
- Preparation of thesis copy;
- Stipend, salary, or scholarship;
- Publication costs;
- Purchase of classroom books; and
- Employment of assistants.
The proposal must include the following sections:
- Title of proposed project.
- Names, addresses, institutional affiliations, telephone numbers, and email addresses of graduate student and major professor.
- Cooperating personnel, their roles in the project, and their signature(s).
- A summary of the proposed project (abstract), not to exceed 250 words.
- Body of the proposal, not to exceed 3 pages, including:
- Significance of the proposed work in advancing the career of the applicant, including the stage of the academic career that this research will help to complete (i.e., Master’s or Ph.D. degree, academic department or program).
- How the proposed research advances knowledge in sustainable agriculture.
- Rationale for the proposed study presented in the context of related studies.
- Detailed description of the materials and methods for the proposed study, including timeline for entire project. These funds must be expended by June 30, 2002.
- Literature cited.
- A one-page resume summarizing the candidate’s accomplishments and qualifications.
- Detailed budget, including all sources of support. Justify all items and indicate destinations and costs of trips.
Use this format:
Item (specify details) |
Funds Requested from SAREP | Matching Funds | Source of Matching Funds | |
| Supplies & Expenses | ||||
| Equipment | ||||
| Travel | ||||
| TOTAL |
A letter of recommendation from the faculty advisor is required. This letter should arrive independently to SAREP, and should include information on how the award would help the student and advance the goals of SAREP. This letter should also assess whether the student is ready to undertake the proposed project and whether the design of the project is adequate.
A signed original plus 9 copies (double-sided preferred) of the proposal must be received by 5:00 p.m., April 11, 2000. Proposals that are received after the deadline will not be reviewed. Proposals should be typed, single-spaced, 10 pt. font or larger. No faxes will be accepted. Proposals should be sent to:
SAGA Grants
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
One Shields Avenue
University of California
Davis, CA 95616-8716
Physical location for delivery services: DANR Building, Hopkins Road (off Hutchison Road west of Highway 113).
Awards will be announced by June 15, 2000. For further information, contact Bev Ransom at (530) 754-8546 (email: baransom@ucdavis.edu).
A final report will be required three months after completion of the project. SAREP also requires one copy each of all theses, dissertations, and other publications that are developed through the funded studies.
The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin St., 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607. (510) 987–0096.