Farmer grants available
Farmers and ranchers have until Dec. 5 to apply for the Producer Grant Program, according to Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The initiative is part of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, according to a news release.
English said producer grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that address timely agricultural production challenges. Information gained from the funded projects will help other farmers and ranchers understand what works and what does not work when facing similar problems.
“This project allows a farmer to test a practice addressing a production or marketing problem on a small scale,” he said. “When the project is complete, results are evaluated — if the project successfully and sustainably addresses the problem at hand, the information can be shared on a larger scale to benefit other farmers.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The maximum funding amount for a producer grant is $20,000 for individual farmers and ranchers and $25,000 for farmer and rancher organizations, paid to a grantee as a reimbursement once invoices and receipts are submitted for allowable project expenses.
English said applicants should remember that producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm; purchase livestock, equipment or land; make permanent farm improvements; or support private enterprises through capital investments. Rather, they are competitive research grants designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a solution to an agricultural production issue.
Proposed projects must focus on Southern SARE’s program objectives in developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing farming systems toward sustainability as defined by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. Applicants specifically should be aware of this definition, as proposals will be reviewed with this legal definition in mind.
Southern SARE is one of four regional SARE programs, hosted by the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Producers can apply for the program at https://southern.sare.org. Announcement of funded proposals will take place in late February 2026. Details: UAPB Small Farm Program, (870) 575-7225.
RSVP seeks volunteers
Local residents are invited to join the AmeriCorps RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) Southeast Arkansas and make a difference.
“AmeriCorps RSVP connects volunteers 55 and older with meaningful service opportunities in healthy futures, education, economic opportunity and other community priorities across Jefferson, Grant, Lincoln, Cleveland and Drew counties,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
The first 50 volunteers to enroll will receive a special surprise as a recognition for joining the mission.
“Don’t wait, help us build stronger communities while enjoying flexible service options, social events, and the chance to meet like-minded peers,” according to the news release.
For details, visit https://form.jotform.com/241927555295164 or contact Project Director Kwaeisi Golliday at americorpsrsvpse@futurebuildersinc.org or (870) 395-7203 or by text to (870) 709-0108.
Home repair loans set for needy
Communities Unlimited’s Home Repair Loan Program is available for low-income residents in Phillips and Jefferson counties. The loan has a two-year term and 10% annual percentage rate.
Eligible homeowners can access up to $6,000 in funding, including a forgivable portion of up to $2,500 and a loan for the remaining $3,500, according to a news release. Details: https://zfrmz.com/dn1zNPjN3MgOfJTrn9Xl or consumer loan officer Jesse Saldana at 956-431-8848 or jesse.saldana@communitiesu.org.