Welcome to SARE in West Virginia

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

• What is the SARE program?
• What is Northeast SARE?
• How does SARE benefit you and your community?
• SARE Training Schedule 7/22/2012
• Webinar: Local Food System Initiatives Utilizing Collaboration & Community Networks
• Webinar: Community Food Program

NE SARE Professional Development Grant Supports Training for
WV Extension Agents.

The interdisciplinary training will provide Agents the needed tools and support to enhance their educational programs in their area. Following the training agents will develop and implement a community project that will build new capacity for farmers to access local higher-value markets. Ultimately, strengthening the local food system and farming communities in West Virginia.

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• What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Congressional definition

As defined by Congress, sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

Satisfy human food and fiber needs

Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends

Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls

Sustain the economic viability of farm operations

Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

Additional points

We can add to this by saying that sustainable agriculture is economically viable. If it is not profitable, it is not sustainable.

Sustainable agriculture is ecologically sound. We recognize that we must preserve the resource base that sustains us all.

Sustainable agriculture is socially supportive. A premise of sustainability is that the quality of life of farmers, farm families, and their communities is important.

Sustainable agriculture is a holistic approach to farming, and is an integral part of pest management, cultural practices, soil health, and long-term farm viability.

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Call for proposals

Calendar of events

List serve sign-up

State summary sheet
A summary of SARE funding in West Virginia including one project highlight. This can be printed and distributed.

Agriculture Projects Funded in West Virginia (PDF)

SARE learning center
Here you will find bulletins, fact sheets and other educational resources related to sustainable agriculture.