The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program recently awarded $2.9 million to 23 farmers, 18 agricultural service providers, 14 researchers, 10 community groups, and four agricultural educators. In all, 69 projects will explore new sustainable techniques that focus on improved profits, good stewardship, and strengthening the social fabric of farm communities.

This year's awards range from $4,271 to refine perimeter trap cropping in organic winter squash to $400,000 to support agroecosystems research in sustainable cropping systems on dairy farms.

SARE awarded two grants to UNH Cooperative Extension. Extension Associate Professor/Specialist Becky Grube received $9,981 for her work on winter sprouting broccoli as an alternative tunnel crop in New England.Trials will be refined according to specific farm conditions, and the plan also includes twilight meetings, workshops, and a fact sheet.

Extension Educator Seth Wilner received $5,828 for his work on tracking labor for time and enterprise budgeting. He will evaluate whether an electronic hand-held tool, which captures the times and locations of tasks, can be used to compile data about farm labor and equipment use. The project will result in enterprise budgets and a feasibility assessment, disseminated through field days and conferences.