COORDINATE THE USDA SARE (SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION) PROGRAM FOR THE 13 STATES AND 2 TERRITORIES OF THE SOUTHERN REGION. EACH AGREEMENT SUPPORTS APPROXIMATELY 7 RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 10 GRADUATE STUDENT PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 8 ON-FARM RESEARCH PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 6 FARMER PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 6 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TRAINING PROJECTS, AND APPROXIMATELY 20 STATE PLANS/MODEL STATE PROGRAMS. REGIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM TO HELP AGRICULTURE BECOME MORE PROFITABLE, PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES.