The Minnesota SARE program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) North Central Region SARE office. Its funds support sustainable agriculture education and outreach in Minnesota. The primary goal is to provide professional development of Minnesota-based agricultural professionals.
Minnesota SARE’s funds are used to
- address the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of Minnesota agriculture and
- provide professional development for agricultural professionals.
Minnesota SARE’s Mini Grant and Travel Scholarship funds are available to agricultural professionals (including Extension staff, educators, NRCS personnel, state and tribal agency representatives, NGO staff, farmers who provide education for other farmers, and other agricultural service providers) who deliver sustainable agriculture education to Minnesotans. The goal is to build these professionals' awareness, knowledge, and skills so they can share sustainable agriculture concepts with a broader audience.
Each year, Minnesota SARE awards up to SIX Mini Grants and EIGHT Travel Scholarships, with priority given to topics related to the Minnesota SARE Initiatives. Funds are disbursed during three open application periods. The intent is to award two Mini Grants and two to three Travel Scholarships during each open application period. All applications are reviewed by the members of the Minnesota SARE Advisory Committee.
2025 and 2026 Minnesota SARE Initiatives
- Adapting to food system disruptions
- Building resilient local food systems
- Supporting farmers
- Addressing farm labor
Mini Grant and Travel Scholarship Application Timelines
- Applications accepted until January 31, with decisions announced by February 20
- Applications accepted until May 31, with decisions announced by June 20
- Applications accepted until October 31, with decisions announced by November 20
Minnesota SARE Mini Grant Information
Minnesota SARE offers Mini Grants to agricultural professionals (Extension, NRCS, state and tribal agencies, NGOs, etc) and farmers for programming in sustainable agriculture with priority given to those that relate to Minnesota SARE Initiatives (Building Soil Health; Carbon, Energy, and Climate; Local Foods). Mini Grants provide support for organized programs such as field days,…
Minnesota SARE Travel Scholarship Information
Minnesota SARE offers Travel Scholarships for agricultural professionals seeking professional development by helping them attend events to explore new topics in sustainable agriculture. To qualify, applicants must include a plan to share what they learn through outreach events, presentations, articles, or other educational materials. Events must align with Minnesota SARE initiatives.