THIS PROJECT, HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT, PROVIDES COORDINATION OF THE USDA / NIFA SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (SARE) PROGRAM FOR 12 NORTHEASTERN STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF NORTHEAST SARE COORDINATES SENDING OUT REQUESTS FOR APPLICATIONS AS WELL AS THE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION PROCESS FOR SEVEN DISTINCT GRANT PROGRAMS:RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANTS, FARMER GRANTS, PARTNERSHIP GRANTS, GRADUATE STUDENT GRANTS, AND STATE PROGRAM GRANTS, AND COMMUNITY FARMING GRANTS. THE REGIONAL STAFF, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL, ASSEMBLES THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE TO TAKE PART IN REVIEW OF PROPOSALS. THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL SELECTS PROPOSALS TO BE FUNDED AND SETS THE REGION'S GRANT MAKING PRIORITIES AND POLICIES, WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF SARE'S AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION. THE OVERALL PURPOSE OF THIS SET OF COMPETITIVE GRANTS IS TO PROMOTE RESEARCH, OUTREACH, AND TRAINING THAT WILL HELP AGRICULTURE BECOME MORE PROFITABLE, PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR FARMERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.