**AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** 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 15 RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 10 GRADUATE STUDENT PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 10 ON-FARM RESEARCH PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 7 FARMER PROJECTS, APPROXIMATELY 7 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COMPETITIVEPROJECTS, AND APPROXIMATELY 20 PDP 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.