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TheWesternSustainableAgricultureResearchandEducation(WesternSARE)programannouncestheCallforProposalsforthe2022WesternSARESabbaticalGrants.WesternSARESabbaticalGrantsprovideanopportunityforfacultyaroundtheworldtopartnerwithresearchers,agriculturalprofessionals,andproducersoftheWesternU.S.forconductingresearch,education,andExtensionactivitiesonsustainableagriculture.Projectsfocusedonunexploredtopicsinunderservedcommunitiesandunderstudiedgeographiclocationsareofspecialinterest.Grantscannotexceed$75,000overtheentirebudgetperiod,arelimitedtooneyear,andcannotberenewedorextended.

TheSAREgrantprogrammissionistoadvanceinnovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifeinAmericanagriculturebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.Toachievethat,WesternSAREbelievesthatourprogramsmustincludetheinvolvementofagriculturalproducersfrominceptiontofinish,andthereforewerequireproducerinvolvementintheplanning,design,implementation,andeducationaloutreachofanyfundedproject.

Western SARE Host Institution

207 Linfield Hall Bozeman, MT,59717-286 Phone: 406-994-4785 email: wsare@montana.edu

Western SARE Competitive Grants Sabbatical Research and Education

2022 Call for Proposals Submission Deadline: November 18, 2021 12:00pm MST

TableofContents:

WesternSAREGoals 2AbouttheProposal 2WritingtheProposal 4ProposalApplication 5TheReviewProcess 17ReportingRequirements 17SelectedProposals 18HowtoApply 19Resources 19

SabbaticalGrantSchedule

• November18,2021–Fullproposalsaredueby12:00PM(noon)MST.

• February2022–ATechnicalReviewPanelreviewsandrecommendsproposalsforfunding.

• March2022–TheWesternSAREAdministrative Councilselectsproposalsfor funding.

• April2022–Applicantswillbeinformedaboutthestatusoftheirsubmissions.

Submit proposals online at: https://projects.sare.org

Look for proposals under “Western” [region]

Look for proposals under “Western” [region]

Alaska,AmericanSamoa,Arizona,California,Colorado,Guam,Hawaii,Idaho, FederatedStatesofMicronesia,Montana,Nevada,NewMexico,NorthernMariana Islands,Oregon,Utah,Washington,Wyoming

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About Western SARE Sabbatical Grant Application Overview: TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilfundsproposalsthatpresentcreativeand innovativeresearchandExtension/outreachapproachesandpracticesthatadvanceWestern SAREgoals(seeabove)andareeconomicallyviable,protecttheenvironment,andaresocially responsible.Western SARESabbaticalprojectsmustcontainbothresearchandeducationcomponents;bringtogether,atthelocationwherethesabbaticalwillbeconducted,ateamoflocalpartners(researchers,students,agriculturalprofessionals,andproducers)toplan,implement,anddisseminatethefindingsoftheproject;outlineeducationaloutreachplansforproducersandagriculturalprofessionals; establishmechanismstobuildresearch,education,andhumancapacityattheSabbaticalHostInstitution(hereafterHostInstitution);andproducequantifiablescholarlyandeducationalproductsforresearchers,producers,andagriculturalprofessionals.

WesternSAREGoals• Promotegoodstewardshipofthenation’snatural resourcesbyprovidingsite-specific,regionalandprofitablesustainablefarmingandranchingmethods thatstrengthenagriculturalcompetitiveness;satisfy humanfoodandfiberneeds;maintainandenhancethequalityandproductivityofsoil;conservesoil,water, energy,naturalresourcesandfishandwildlifehabitat; andmaintainandimprovethequalityofsurfaceand groundwater.

• Enhancethequalityoflifeoffarmersandranchersand ensuretheviabilityofruralcommunities,forexample,by increasingincomeandemployment,especiallyprofitableself-employmentandinnovativemarketingopportunities inagriculturalandruralcommunities.

• Protectthehealthandsafetyofthoseinvolvedinfoodandfarmsystemsbyreducing,wherefeasibleand practical,theuseoftoxicmaterialsinagricultural production,andbyoptimizingon-farmresourcesandintegrating,whereappropriate,biologicalcyclesand controls.

• Promotecrop,livestock,andenterprisediversification.

• Examinetheregional,economic,socialandenvironmentalimplicationsofadoptingsustainableagriculturepracticesandsystems.

SustainableAgricultureCongresshasdefinedsustainableagricultureasanintegratedsystemofplantandanimalproductionpracticeshavingasite-specificapplicationthatwilloverthelong-term:

• Satisfyhumanfoodandfiberneeds;

• Enhanceenvironmentalqualityandthenaturalresourcebaseuponwhichtheagriculturaleconomydepends;

• Makethemostefficientuseofnon-renewableresourcesand on-farmresourcesandintegrate,whereappropriate,naturalbiologicalcyclesandcontrols;

• Sustaintheeconomicviabilityoffarmoperations;and

• Enhancethequalityoflifeforfarmersandsocietyasawhole.

–U.S.CodeTitle7,Section3103

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Sabbaticalgrantsmustaddresslocalresearchandeducationneedswithspecialemphasisonunderservedcommunities,understudiedgeographiclocations,and/orunexploredtopics.EligibleApplicants: ResearcherseligibleforaSabbaticalLeavewhohavethesupportoftheirhomeinstitution(hereafterHomeInstitution)andwhohavedemonstratedexpertiseinsustainableagricultureresearchandeducationareeligibletoapplyforaWesternSARESabbaticalGrant.WhileapplicantsforaWesternSARESabbaticalGrantcouldresideoutsidetheWesternregionoftheUnitedStates,includingforeigncountries,allresearchandeducationactivitiesshouldbeconductedwithintheWesternU.S.region.ApplicationsshouldbedoneinassociationwithaprimaryHostInstitutionlocatedwithintheWesternregion,includinguniversities,federalagencies,andnon-governmentalorganizations. HavingadditionalcollaboratinginstitutionsandresearchsitesintheWesternU.S.regionisallowed.EligibleApplications:WSARESabbaticalapplicationsshouldincludeaHostInstitution,aHostPrincipalInvestigator(PI)whoisaresearcherattheHostInstitution,aHomeInstitution,aSabbaticalResearcher(Co-PI)whoisaresearcherattheHomeinstitution,andatleastoneagriculturalProduceratthelocationoftheHostInstitution.ApplicationsmustprovidetherequiredapprovaldocumentsfromtheHostInstitution,informationoftheHostPI,andtheHomeInstitutiondocumentationdetailedbelow.HomeInstitutionrequirements:TheSabbaticalLeaveresearcher(hereafterSabbaticalResearcher)willbeaCo-PIoftheprojectandshouldnegotiateaSabbaticalLeaveforatleast6monthswiththeirhomeinstitutioninordertobeeligibleforSabbaticalfunding.AletterfromtheHomeInstitutionindicatingapprovalandsupportoftheSabbaticalmustbeincludedintheapplicationandshouldspecifythetermsoftheSabbaticalLeave. SabbaticalResearcherrequirements:TheSabbaticalLeaveresearchershouldnegotiatewiththeirhomeinstitutionaSabbaticalLeavepriortothereleaseofanyWesternSAREfunds.Ifapplicable,carriersoftheappropriatevisaforconductingresearchandeducationalactivitiesintheU.S.fortheperiodoftheprojectshouldprovidethisinformationtotheirHostInstitutionandmustbeverifiedbyWesternSAREbeforetheSubawardAgreementcanbefullyexecuted.HostInstitutionrequirements:AllWesternSARESabbaticalapplicationsshouldbedoneinassociationwithaprimaryHostInstitutionwithintheWesternregion.TheHostInstitutionisresponsibleforachievingtheresearchandeducationobjectivesoftheproposedprojectandbearsthefiscalresponsibilityoftheprojectthroughasubawardagreementwithMontanaStateUniversity,theWesternSAREHostInstitution.Theproject’sHostInstitutionneedstoprovideaLetterofInvitationincluding:1)aScopeofWorkdescribingtheactivitiestheSabbaticalResearcherwillbeconductingattheHostInstitutionandinthelocalarea(i.e.,research,lecturing,outreachactivities,etc.),andtheexpecteddeliverables,2)theperiodoftimeforwhichtheSabbaticalResearcherisinvited,3)interestintheSabbaticalprojectandhowitwillbenefittheHostInstitutionandagriculturalproducers,4)theimportanceoftheresearchandeducationactivitiestobeconductedbytheSabbaticalResearcherandhowthisprojectwilladvancelocal/regional

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research,education,andoutreach,5)theresourcescommittedbytheHostInstitutionforthisproject,6)thecollaborationplansbeyondthecompletionoftheSabbaticalproject,and7)anyadditionalinformationtheHostInstitutionfindsrelevantfortheapplication.Additionally,theLetterofInvitationmustinclude8)thetotalfundsrequestedand9)theprojecttimeline.ApplicationsshouldbesubmittedfromaHostInstitutionthat1)supportsresearchandeducationinsustainableagriculture,2)hasdemonstratedfiscalresponsibility,3)isableandqualifiedtoreceivefundsfromtheU.S.Government,and4)hasthecapabilitytocomplywithrequirementsofInstitutionalReviewBoard(IRB)forresearchthatinvolveshumansubjectsandtocomplywiththerequirementsofanInstitutionalAnimalCareandUseCommittee(IACUC)forresearchthatinvolvesanimals.HostPIrequirements:Allactivitiesshouldbedoneinclosecollaborationwithproduction,research,andeducationpartner(s)oftheHostInstitution,andifapplicablewithresearchersandproducersofotherorganizationsintheWesternU.S.,atthelocationwheretheSabbaticalwillbeconducted.Funding: Projectsmaybebetween6monthsand1yearinlength.Fundstosupportpersonnelsalary,travel,andsupplies,wherejustified,areallowed.WesternSARESabbaticalgrantscanrequestupto$75,000.Sabbaticalgrantsarenon-renewableandnon-extendablebeyondone-yearperiod.PublicDomain:Whileproposalsandreviewswillremainconfidential,theWesternSAREprogramconsidersallfundedproposals,subsequentreports,andrelatedinformationtobeinthepublicdomain.SeedetailsofthisstipulationinthePublicAccessofResearchDatasectioninNIFAFederalAssistancePolicyGuide.

Writing the Proposal

Proposalsaresubmittedonlineathttps://projects.sare.org.Thesubmissionincludessevensections:1)acknowledgementofreadingtheCallforProposal,2)project’sbasicinformation,3)projectsummary,4)projectnarrative,5)budgetandbudgetjustification,and6)supportingdocuments.Youcanwriteeachportionoftheproposalinawordprocessor(e.g.,MicrosoftWord)andcopyandpasteitintothefieldsoftheonlineapplication(beawarethatsomeformatfeaturesofthewordprocessormightbelostwhenyoupastethetextintheonlineform). Inadditiontotext,youcaninsertatableorgraphinallNarrativesections.Itisbesttoinserttablesasatable(see:"InsertingTables")andnotasanimage.Followingtheseinstructionsmakesyourtextsearchableandthetextwillwrapanddisplayproperlywhenviewedondifferentdevices.Moreimportantly,itmakesitADAcompliant.Attachmentsarepreferredinpdfformatbutimagesin.jpgor.pngformatsareaccepted. PleasereviewthedocumentslocatedinDocumentsforApplyingsectionofWesternSAREwebsite.

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Proposal Application A.ProjectBasicInformationThissectionpromptsforgeneralinformationabouttheproject,including:

• theprimarysubjectmatteroftheproject,• thecommoditiesandpracticesoftheproposedproject,• projectobjectives• proposedstartingandendingdates,• thestate(s)orprotectorateswheretheworkoftheprojectwillbeconducted,• theHomeInstitution,HostInstitution,andothercooperatinginstitutions.

Pleasechooseastartdatethatcorrespondswiththefirst-of-the-month.StartdatesmustbenoearlierthanApril1,2022andnolaterthanOctober1,2022.B.Summary (Limitedto500words)Aclearandconcisesummary isimportantforthereviewprocess. Thesummarymustincludeabriefdescriptionoftheproblemorneed andacreativeapproachtosolvingit. Inthesummary, includethefollowing:

• Clearlyidentifytheresearch question(s)• Explainhowthisprojectwilldistinctivelyorcreativelyaddresstheseproblems.• Describetheeducationgoalsandoutreachcomponentsandidentifythesignificance

oftheprojecttofillknowledgegaps,engageunderservedaudiences,andencourageresearchandeducationatthelocation(s)wheretheSabbaticalwilltakeplace.

• Enumerateanddescribetheexpectedprojectoutcomes,includingplanstocontinuecollaborationsbeyondthelengthofthisSabbatical.

C.ProjectNarrative Theprojectnarrativeincludesthefollowingsections: 1 ) RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,andProjectValueandBenefits;2)CollaborationPlanwithHostInstitutionandLocalPartners;3)ProjectTeam;4)ResearchPlan;5)EducationalPlan;6)Timeline;and7)BuildingHumanCapacityatHostInstitution.RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,andProjectValueandBenefits(15%ofreviewcriteria)Explainwhythisprojectisnecessaryandhowitaddressescriticalneedsinsustainableagriculture;provideresearch-basedevidencecitingupdatedliteratureandlocalreferencesthatdemonstrateaknowledgegapinthegeographicorthematicareaoftheproject. Citeevidenceofneed,includingresultsandrecommendationsfromrelatedSAREprojects(www.sare.org/Project-Reports)andotherstudies,reports,orneedassessments.Describethepotentialbenefitsandimpactsforlocalproducersandsustainableagriculture.Clearlyarticulatehowtheprojectisrelevant toaddress theneedsoftheruralcommunitieswheretheSabbaticalwilltakeplace.Theproposalmustaddresshowitwill:

• Sustainandimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandnaturalresourcebaseonwhichagriculturedepends;

• Improvetheprofitabilityoffarmers/ranchersandassociatedagriculturalbusinesses;and

• Enhancethequalityoflifeforfarmers/ranchers,communities,andsocietyasawhole.

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Describethepotentialbenefitsforproducers(local,state,orregional)andsustainableagricultureingeneral.Forexample,provideaneconomicanalysisandexplainhowyourprojectwouldaffectoverallfarm/ranchproductivitylevels,operationalprofits,soilorwaterqualityorquantity,andruralcommunities.Wherepossible,usespecificestimatesofimpacts–suchasdollarssavedperacre,tonsofsoilprotectedfromerosion,poundsofchemicalreduced,numberofacresorpeopleaffected,marketsexpanded,jobscreated,etc.CollaborationwithHostInstitutionandLocalPartners(5%ofreviewcriteria)TheWesternSARESabbaticalGrantsgoalistoencouragegroundbreakingresearchandeducationfocusedontheneedsofunderservedcommunities,and/orunderstudiedgeographiclocations,and/orunexploredtopics.Tothisextent,proposalsmustincludedocumentationthatlocalagriculturalstakeholdersandpartnersidentifiedtheneedsandknowledgegapsbeingaddressed.Examplesofsourcesofidentifiedneedsandknowledgegapsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• Recommendationsfromstakeholdergroupssuchasgrowerorganizationsorcommodity commissions.AttachlettersofsupportintheSupportingDocumentssection.

• AssessmentbyrepresentativesoftheHostInstitution.• Otherdocumentedneedsassessmentevaluations.

ProjectTeam(5%ofreviewcriteria)Theprojectteammustincludethefollowingroles:1)HostPI,2)SabbaticalResearcher(Co-PI),and3)atleastoneAgriculturalProducerlocatedwheretheSabbaticalwilltakeplace.Itisencouragedthatapplicationsalsoincludeotherpartners,suchasExtensionRepresentative(s),andadditionalAgriculturalProducer(s)ateachStateorProtectoratewheretheSabbaticalwillbeconducted.See“OtherTeamMembers”below.HostInstitutionPrincipalInvestigator(PI):TheHostPIshouldbeemployedbytheHostInstitutionatthelocationwheretheSabbaticalwillbeconducted.TheHostPIwillberesponsibleforachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectivesoftheproposalandadministeringthefundsthroughasubawardagreementfromMSU.SabbaticalResearcherCo-PrincipalInvestigator(Co-PI):TheSabbaticalResearcherisresponsibleforcoordinatingtheprojectandconductingtheactivitiesindicatedintheLetterofInvitationprovidedbytheHostInstitution.AgriculturalProducer(s):ProposalsmustincludeatleastoneAgriculturalProduceratthestateorprotectoratewheretheSabbaticalwilltakeplace.Theproducer(s)shouldbeinvolvedinallaspectsoftheprojectfromideainceptionthroughcompletionanddisseminationofresults.Eachproducermustbeanindependentandseparateoperator.Non-profitsdo notcountasoneoftherequiredproducers.Apersonqualifiesasaproducer(farmer/rancher)iftheyhaveafor-profitoperationand:

• Theirprimaryoccupationisfarmingorranchingandhaveafarm/ranchtaxpayeridentificationnumber(TIN);or

• Theyareapart-timeproducerwithatleast$1,000documentedannualincomefromfarmingorranchingactivities.

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EachAgriculturalProducernamedintheproposalmustprovideasignedanddatedletterofcollaboration.Eachlettershouldindicate:1)theactivitiestheProducerwillbeconducting,andresourcescommittedforthisproject,2)Producer’sinterestintheprojectandhowitwillbenefitthem,and3)anyadditionalinformationtheProducerfindsrelevanttostrengthentheapplication.Otherteammembers:ItisencouragedtheproposalincludesatleastoneExtension/OutreachRepresentativefromtheHostInstitution(s)whowillberesponsibleforfacilitatingeducationalandoutreachactivities.Theteammayalsoincludeadditionalresearchers,educators,students,producers,andotherswithappropriateexpertisefortheprojectscope.DetailthespecificroleofthePrincipalInvestigator,theSabbaticalResearcher(Co-PI),Producers,andifapplicable,Extension/outreachrepresentative,additionalCo-PI(s),andotherprojectteammembers.ClearlyindicatethelevelofinvolvementofeachProduceratallstages–frominceptiontocompletionoftheproject.Foreachobjectiveandactivity,indicatewhowillberesponsible,andwhichpartnerswillbeinvolved.ResearchPlan(30%ofreviewcriteria)ThemissionofSAREistoadvance“innovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.”Clearlystateanddefinetheresearchobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describewhatwillbedoneincludingmethodsandmaterials.Whattreatmentsornewtechnique(s)willbetested?Whatmaterialswillbeused?Describetheprojectsite,researchdesign,datacollection,andanalysismethods.Includesufficientdetailsothatreviewerscandetermineiftheapproachesaresuitabletoachieveyourobjectives.Avoidtheuseofjargonthatmaybeunfamiliaroutsideyourindustryorspecialtyarea,anddefineallacronyms.EducationPlan(30%ofreviewcriteria)Clearlystateanddefinetheeducationalobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreacheducationobjective,describetheoutreachactivitiesincludingmethodsandmaterials.Describehow,when,andwhereyouwillconductoutreachactivities(e.g.,fielddays,demonstrations,workshops,presentations,websites,etc.).Describewhoisyouraudience(e.g.,producers,stakeholders,otheragriculturalprofessionals,students,etc.).Indicateiftheproducersoragprofessionalsyouintendtoreachthroughthisprojectarefromunderservedcommunities.Underservedcommunitiesarethosethathavedifficultiesaccessingopportunitiesduetolanguage,culture,location,orlackofresources.Explainhowyouwillcommunicateyourproject’sfindingstoproducers(specifically)andthegeneralpublic.Providealistofeducationalmaterialandoutcomesthatwilldevelopedduringthe

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courseoftheSabbaticalproject(e.g.,factsheets,PowerPointpresentations,handouts,brochures,4-Hpublications,videos,posters,etc.).Indicate dates,locationsandoutreachactivities,usingnetworkingtechniquessuchasfielddays,workshops, demonstrations,orotherevents.Describeplansforanyscholarlyoutputs(e.g.,academicjournals).Digitaloutcomes(e.g.,podcasts,videos,andsocialmedia)areencouragedbutshouldnotbethesoleoutreachapproach.Multiplecommunicationmaterialsandmultiplecommunicationstylesarestronglysuggested.PropercitationofWesternSAREisrequiredinalleducationaloutcomes,andactivities.InformationpertainingtocitingWesternSAREwillbeincludedintheSubawardAgreement.Timeline(5%ofreviewcriteria)Provideatimeline,suchasaGanttchartforaccomplishingboth,researchandeducationalobjectives.Identifythemajormilestonesoractivitiesthatwillbecompleted,andwheneachofthosemilestones/activitieswilloccur.Includeprojectevaluationactivities.BuildingHumanCapacityatHostInstitution(5%ofreviewcriteria)DescribeyourplansforhumancapacitydevelopmentattheHostInstitution.ExplainhowtheexpectedknowledgegainandeducationaloutcomeswillimprovetheresearchandeducationcapacityoftheHostInstitutionandpartners,andtheproductioncapacityoflocalgrowersafterthecompletionoftheSabbaticalproject.DescribetheexpectedconnectionsandcollaborationsbetweentheHostandHomeInstitutionsasaresultfromthisSabbatical.HowwilltheHost,localpartnersandtheSabbaticalResearcherinteractafterthecompletionofthisproject?D. BudgetandJustification (5%ofreviewcriteria)ProvideadetailedbudgetandbudgetjustificationthatareappropriatetotheproposedprojectusingtheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetfoundontheonlineapplication,budgetsection.ApplicantsMUSTusethisdocumentforbudgetsubmission;nootherdocumentwillbeaccepted.NOTE:youneedtoentertheTOTALfundsrequested;thisamountmustmatchthetotalfundsindicatedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetdocument.IftheHostInstitutionwillbeissuinglowertiersubawardstootherinstitutionsororganizationsasapartofyourproposedproject,youarerequiredtoprovideadetailedbudgetandjustificationforeach.LowertiersubawardbudgetsmustbesubmittedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforSubawards.Youmayaskthelowertiersubawardrecipient(s)tofillouttheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforSubawardsoryoumayfillitoutontheirbehalfusingdetailstheyhaveprovidedtoyou.Besuretoincludebriefdetailsandbudgetamountsforeachlowertiersubaward,byyear,onyourWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.Astheprimaryapplicant,youmustuploadbothyourWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetandthoseofanylowertiersubawardstobeissued.Failuretoprovidethe WesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforyourprimaryawardand,ifapplicable,alllowertiersubawardswilldisqualifytheproposalbeforereview.

SabbaticalGrantfundsmayincludeexpensesinthefollowingbudgetcategories• SalariesandBenefits:compensatingresearchersoremployees(includingstudents)ofthe

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HostInstitutionforperformingworkdirectlyrelatedtotheproject.Providebasesalary,FTEs,fringebenefitrates,andsalary/benefitsamountsrequested.TheseawardsshouldnotincludesalaryorbenefitsfortheSabbaticalResearcher.

• Subawards:payingprojectcollaboratorswhoareatapartnerinstitutionintheWesternU.S.regiontocovercostsassociatedwiththeirportionoftheproposedproject.FacilitiesandAdministrative(F&A)Costsshouldbeincludedforeachlower-tiersubrecipientaccordingtheguidelinesnotedunderthesection“FacilitiesandAdministrative(F&A)Costs”(seenextpage).TheHostInstitutionwillberesponsibleforissuingandadministeringthelowertiersubawardstotheseentities.

• ContractedServices:includespayingforprofessionalservices(e.g.,testingandanalysisservices,surveydevelopmentandadministration,computationalservices,websitedevelopmentormaintenance,professionalproductionservices(videographertoproduceeducationalelectronicmedia),consultants,honoraria,speakerfees,agriculturalproducerlabor,etc.)

• Supplies:includesbasicsuppliesandmaterialsneededtocarryouttheproject.Examplesinclude:agriculturalsupplies(fencing,seeds,plants,fertilizer),fieldandlabsupplies,minorequipmentandtools(individualitemsthatcostlessthan$5,000),paper/envelopes,in-housephotocopyingofmaterialsforworkshops/meetings,software,books,shippingmaterials,etc.Anyshippingcostsassociatedwiththepurchaseofsupplies/materialsshouldbeincludedassupplycosts.Thepurchaseoffood/refreshmentsformeetings/fielddays(mustbenecessarytomaintainmeetingcontinuity)isalsoconsideredasupplycost.

• Communication:includespostageandmailingexpenses(includingshippingsamplesforanalysis),printedmaterials(flyers,brochures,posters).Thiscategoryalsoincludesexpensesforpublishingarticlesinscientificjournalsorothertypesoffield/programpublications,orforcommercialphotocopying(note:in-housephotocopyingfallsundersupplies)

• Travel:includesestimatedmileagereimbursement,airfare,lodging,mealperdiem;carrentals,taxi,bus,shuttleexpensesandparking;conferencefeesandregistrations,etc.TraveltoHostInstitutionorplacewheretheSabbaticalwilltakeplaceisallowed.Pleasenote,travelperdiemsandmileageneedtocorrelatewiththeHostInstitution’sapprovedrates.Ifnorateisavailable,pleaseusetheFederalGovernmentratelistedontheU.S.GeneralServicesAdministrationwebsite.NOTE:foreigntravelfortheHostandlocalpartnersistypicallyNOTallowedundertheSAREprogram,exceptincaseswheresufficientjustificationhasbeenprovided,andrequiresWesternSAREapproval.However,iftheSabbaticalResearcherresidesinaforeigncountry,traveltoandfromtheplacewheretheSabbaticaltakesplacewillbeallowed.Allotherforeigntravelmustbedirectlyrelatedtotheproject,mustbeessentialforprojectcompletion,welljustified(i.e.,explainwhythisactivitycannotbedoneintheUSA,relevancetothesustainabilityofWesternagriculture,provideforeigninstitutionandcolleaguesqualifications,etc.)USDA-NIFArequiresthatforeigntravelsshouldbedoneonanU.S.flagaircarrier.

• Rent:includesfeesassociatedwithrentingequipment,land,facilities(e.g.,meetingrooms,labspace)anduserfees.

• Participant/TraineeSupport:ParticipantSupportcostsareassociatedwithconference,workshop,orsymposiumcostsforattendeeswhoareNOTemployeesoftheHostInstitution,theHomeInstitution,orofthelowertiersubawardrecipientinstitution(s).

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TraineeSupportcostsareassociatedwitheducationalactivitiesfortrainees.Participants/Traineescanreceiveasetamountforparticipationintheabovestatedfunctions.Itemized(notalumpsumpayment)participant/traineetravelexpensesshouldbeincludedintheTravelbudgetcategory.

• CapitalEquipment:Definedasasingle,autonomouspieceofequipmentthatcosts$5,000ormoreandhasausefullifeofmorethanoneyear.CapitalEquipmentpurchasesaregenerallynotallowedundertheSAREprogramandshouldbeessentialforthecompletionoftheproposedactivities.Equipmentexpensesbeyond$5,000maybeleveragedbynonWSAREfunds.Purchasingmultiplecomponentsofsingleequipmentthatcostunder$5,000inanattempttocircumventthe$5,000capisnotallowed.Purchasesofequipmentunder$5,000isallowed.Pleaseincludeminorequipmentand/orleveragedcapitalequipmentpurchasesintheSuppliesbudgetcategory.

• IndirectCosts(IDCs)Recovery:IDCrecoverymayberequestedfortheHostInstitutionaccordingtothefollowingcriteria:• UndertheSAREprogramandforprojectsfundedinCalendarYear2022andlater,NIFAstipulatesindirectcostrecoveryislimitedto10%oftheTotalDirectCostsrequested.

• SomeinstitutionsmayNOTbeeligibleforIDCrecoveryormaybelimitedtothedeminimisrateof10%oftheModifiedTotalDirectCosts(MTDC)requested.

• Applicantsshouldlimittheirrequestforrecoveryofindirectcoststothelesseroftheirinstitution’sofficialnegotiatedindirectcostrateortheequivalentof10%oftotaldirectcosts.

ApplicantsmustindicatetheIDCrateusedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.DetailedinformationaboutIDCratesandcalculationscanbefoundontheWesternSAREwebsite.MoreinformationabouteachbudgetcategoryisprovidedontheBudgetCategoriesandGuidancetabfoundontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.Pleasenote,however,therearesomerestrictionsforwhatSabbaticalgrantfundsmaybeused.Seebelow.

SabbaticalGrantfundsmayNOTbeusedforthefollowingpurposesNotethebelowlistisnotexhaustive–seealsotheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforadditionaldetails

• CapitalEquipmentpurchasesabove$5,000–seeaboveformoreinformation.• Startingorexpandingafarm/ranchorfarm/ranchoperation.• Majorrenovations/permanentimprovementstoafarmorranch,suchasconstructingorremodelingabuilding.

• Repairs/Maintenanceofequipmentorbuildings/facilities.• Providingmealsduringeventsthatarenotnecessarytomaintainthecontinuityofascheduledmeeting/activity;breakfastsanddinnerstypicallydonotqualify.

• Testingofcommercialproducts.• Studentfeesand/ortuition.• Salary,benefits,andhousingfortheSabbaticalResearcher.

Additionally,matchingfundsarenotrequiredorrequestedofWesternSAREgrantrecipients.PleasedoNOTincludematchingfundsinyourbudgetorjustification

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E. SupportingDocumentsAllsupportingdocumentsmustbeattachedintotheSupportingDocumentssectionoftheonlineapplication.PDFdocumentsarepreferredbutimagesinjpgandpngformatsareaccepted.Failuretoprovidealltherequiredsupportingdocumentswilldisqualifytheproposalbeforereview.

SignaturePage:ThisformaffirmsthePIisresponsibleforallexpendituresandachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectivesoftheproposal.ThisformmustbesignedbythePIandthePI’sAuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative.ForanInstitutionofHigherEducation,thispersonisusuallytheDirectoroftheSponsoredProgramsOffice.Fornon-profitsorotherorganizations,thisistypicallytheExecutiveDirector,CEOorCFO.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal.CurrentVita:ThePI,Co-PIs,andotherteammembersmustsubmitacurrent2-pagevitaewhichincludesallrelevantpublications.Avitaeisnotrequiredforproducersandstudents.LetterofInvitationfromHostInstitution:TheapplicationmustincludealetterofcommitmentfromtheHostInstitution.TheLetterofInvitationisanexpressionofinterestfromtheHostInstitutiontohosttheSabbaticalResearcherandmustdescribe:1)aScopeofWorkdescribingtheactivitiestheSabbaticalResearcherwillbeconductingattheHostInstitutionandinthelocalarea(i.e.,research,lecturing,outreachactivities,etc.),andtheexpecteddeliverables,2)theperiodoftimeforwhichtheSabbaticalResearcherisinvited,3)interestintheSabbaticalprojectandhowitwillbenefittheHostInstitution,4)theimportanceoftheresearchandeducationactivitiestobeconductedbytheSabbaticalResearcherandhowthisprojectwilladvancelocal/regionalresearch,education,andoutreach,5)theresourcescommittedbytheHostInstitutionforthisproject,6)thecollaborationplansbeyondthecompletionoftheSabbaticalproject,and7)anyadditionalinformationtheHostInstitutionfindsrelevantfortheapplication.Additionally,theLetterofInvitationmustinclude8)thetotalfundsrequestedand9)theprojecttimeline.LetterofSabbaticalLeaveApprovalfromHomeInstitutionAletterfromtheHomeInstitutionindicatingSabbaticalapprovalandsupportonbehalfoftheSabbaticalResearchermustbeincludedandshouldspecifythetermsoftheSabbaticalLeave.LetterofCommitmentfromPartnerInstitution(s) Ifyourproposalincludesissuinglowertiersubaward(s)topartnerinstitution(s),attachaletterofcommitmentfromeachinstitution.TheletterofcommitmentmustbesignedbythesubawardPI(usuallylistedasaCo-PI,otherthantheSabbaticalResearcher)andincludethefollowing:periodofperformance,totalfundsrequested,andaScopeofWorkoutliningactivitiestobeperformed,thedeliverablescreatedandtheprojecttimeline. LettersofProducer(s)Cooperation: EachAgriculturalProducerwhoispartoftheprojectteammust submitasignedanddatedLetterofCooperation. Thelettermustverifytheproducer’swillingnesstoparticipateintheprojectand outlinetheircommitmentandroleinit. Eachlettershouldindicate:1)theactivitiestheproducerwill

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beconducting,andresourcescommittedforthisproject,2)producer’sinterestintheprojectandhowitwillbenefitthem,and3)anyadditionalinformationtheproducerfindsrelevanttostrengthentheapplication.Letter(s)ofStakeholderSupport:Attachlettersofsupportfromstakeholderindividualsand/ororganizationsthatsupporttheproposedresearchandeducationactivities.CurrentandPendingSupport: ThePI,Co-PI(s),andotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitaCurrentandPendingSupportform.Thisformisnotneededforproducersandstudents.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposals.ConflictofInterest:ThePIandCo-PI(s)andotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitanupdatedConflictofInterestform.Thisformisnotneededforproducersandstudents.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionoftheCallforFullProposal.AnimalWelfareAssuranceStatement: Thisformmustbecompletedbyapplicantstoidentifywhetherornottheproposedprojectinvolvesanywarmed-blooded,vertebrateanimals.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionoftheCallforFullProposal.Note:Projectsinvolvinganywarmed-blooded,vertebrateanimalsmaybesubjecttotherequirementsofanInstitutionalAnimalCareandUseCommittee(IACUC)andmayrequirecompletionofanInter-InstitutionalAgreementbetweenMSUandtheHostInstitution.InstitutionalReviewBoardApproval: Ifyourprojectwillinvolveresearchwithhumans(e.g.tastingsessions,conductinginterviews,etc.)oryouwilluseothersurveythantheWSARESurveytoevaluatetheimpactofyourproject,youwillneedtoprovideevidenceofacceptanceorexemptionbyanInstitutional ReviewBoard(IRB)oritsequivalent. Atthetimeofsubmission,proofthatyouinitiatedtheIRBprocessisacceptable;however,ifawarded,theSubawardAgreementwillnotbeexecuteduntilIRBapproval/exemptiondocumentationisprovided.IfyoudonothaveaccesstoanInstitutionalReviewcommittee,contactusbye-mailatwsare@montana.eduandwewillassistyou.Citations:CitationsshouldbeattachedintheSupportingDocumentssectionoftheonlinesubmission(andarenotpartofthewordnumberlimitation).Attachalistofcitedsources.OtherDocuments(Optional):Hereyouwillbeabletoattachanyotherdocumentthatyouthinkmightstrengthenyourproposal.TheseotherdocumentsmaynotbeusedtolengthenyourproposalundertheProjectNarrative.WesternSAREwilldisqualifyproposalsbeforereviewifapplicantsdonot followtheinstructionsoftheCallforProposalsand/orsubmitincompleteSupportingDocuments.

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Pleaseprintthisdocument,obtainBOTHrequiredsignaturesanduploadintotheSupportingDocumentssectionofyouronlinegrantapplication.

ProjectTitle:__________________________________________________________________________

TotalFundsRequested:_______________________

RequestedProjectPeriod:

StartDate(MM/DD/YYYY):____________ Enddate(MM/DD/YYYY):____________

PrincipalInvestigator

USDAdefinesaPrincipalInvestigatorasonewhohastheauthoritytowriteandsubmitaproposalandcarryoutitscontractualprovisions.

AstheprojectPI,IaffirmIamresponsibleforallexpendituresandachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectivesoftheproposal.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature:PrincipalInvestigator Date

PrintedName:_______________________________________________________________________

AuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative

USDAdefinestheAuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentativeasonewhohasauthoritytoenterintocontractualagreementswiththeWesternSAREHostInstitution,MontanaStateUniversity.

AstheAORfortheinstitution/organizationprojectofthePIsubmittingthisproposal,Iaffirmthat[enterinstitution/organizationnamehere]hasauthoritytoenterintoacontractualagreementwithMontanaStateUniversity.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature:AuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative Date

PrintedNameandTitle:______________________________________________________________

Signature Page

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Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________Instructions:Whocompletesthistemplate:Eachprojectdirector/principalinvestigator(PD/PI)andotherseniorpersonnel.Howthistemplateiscompleted:

• Recordinformationforactiveandpendingprojects,includingthisproposal.• AllcurrenteffortstowhichPD/PI(s)andotherseniorpersonnelhavecommittedaportionoftheirtimemust

belisted,whetherornotsalaryforthepersoninvolvedisincludedinthebudgetsofthevariousprojects.• Provideanalogousinformationforallproposedworkwhichisbeingconsideredby,orwhichwillbe

submittedinthenearfutureto,otherpossiblesponsors,includingotherUSDAprograms.• Forconcurrentprojects,thepercentoftimecommittedmustnotexceed100%.

Note:ConcurrentsubmissionofaproposaltootherorganizationswillnotprejudiceitsreviewbyCSREES.

NAME(List/PIfirst)

SUPPORTINGAGENCY/PENDINGPROPOSALNUMBER

TOTAL$AMOUNT

EXPIRATIONDATES

%OFTIMECOMMITTED

TITLEOFPROJECT

Active:

Pending:

ThisfileMUSTbeconvertedtoPDFpriortoattachmentintheelectronicapplicationpackage.

Current and Pending Support

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Name:______________________________________________________________________Instructions:Whocompletesthistemplate?Eachprojectdirector/principalinvestigator(PD/PI)andseniorpersonnel.Howthistemplateiscompleted?

• Listalphabetically–withlastnamefirst--thefullnamesofthefollowingindividuals:o Allco-authorsonpublicationswithinthepastthreeyears,includingpendingpublications

andsubmissionso Allcollaboratorsonprojectswithinthepastthreeyears,includingcurrentandplanned

collaborationso Allthesisorpostdoctoraladvisees/advisorso Allpersonsinyourfieldwithwhomyouhavehadaconsulting/financialarrangement/other

conflict-of-interestinthepastthreeyears• Indicatetheperson’srelationshiptoyou(Co-Author,Collaborator,etc.)withan“x”.

Additionalpagesmaybeusedasnecessary.Otherindividualsworkingintheapplicants’specificareaarenotinconflictofinterestwiththeapplicantunlessthoseindividualsfallwithinoneofthelistedcategories.

Name Co-Author Collaborator Advisees/Advisors Other–SpecifyNature

ThisfileMUSTbeconvertedtoPDFpriortoattachmentintheelectronicapplicationpackage.

Conflict of Interest

Theapplicantacknowledges t h a t work may r equ i r e I n s t i t u t i o na l An ima l Ca r e and Us e Over s i gh t and that Montana StateUniversity (MSU), and thusWesternSARE,issubject totheGuidefortheCareandUseofAgriculturalAnimalsinResearchandTeaching. Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:beef,swine,poultry,fish,etc.Ifawardedtheapplicantacknowledgesthatitis his/herresponsibilitytoensurethataUSDA-acknowledged IACUCreviews,approves,andoverseestheanimalwelfareissuesoftheproject.

Date:_____________

Signature:PrincipalInvestigatorNOTE:If animalwelfare isNOTapplicable,checkand signbelow: NotApplicable [ ] ______________________________________________________Date:_____________Signature:PrincipalInvestigator

Animal Welfare Assurance Statement

The Review Process

OnlyeligibleproposalsreceivedbytheduedatewithallrequiredsupportingdocumentswillbeevaluatedbyaTechnicalReviewPanel,adiversegroupofpeoplefrom theWesternU.S.regionwithbroadscientificandagriculturalexpertise.TheTechnicalReviewPanelwillevaluatetheproposalsbasedonthereviewcriteriastatedbelow,andwillmeettodiscussandappraisethemerits ofeachproposal. TheirrecommendationsareforwardedtotheWesternSAREAdministrative Councilforadditionalreviewandfinalselection.Proposalswillbereviewedfortechnicalmeritagainstthefollowingcriteria:

RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,ProjectValueandBenefits 15%CollaborationwithHostInstitutionandLocalPartners 5%ProjectTeam 5%ResearchPlan 30%EducationalPlan 30%Timeline 5%BuildingHumanCapacityatHostInstitution 5%

Budget&Justification 5%Total 100%

Prioritywillbegiventoprojectsthat:• Closelycoordinateresearchandeducation/outreachactivities.• Indicatehowfindingswillbemadereadilyusablebyproducersandother

intended audiences.• Maximizethedirectandmeaningfulinvolvementofproducers.• Useaninterdisciplinaryteamapproach.• Includeclosecooperationamonguniversities/colleges,governmentagencies,

nonprofit organizations,andproducers.• DevelopaplanforfurthercollaborationbetweentheSabbaticalResearcher,Host

PI,andlocalpartners.

Reporting Requirements (for awarded proposals)

Afinalreportwillberequiredofyourproject,andshoulddescribetheresearchmethodsutilizedbytheproject,detailtheobservedresults,describetheeducationaloutreacheventsandmaterialproducedbytheproject,anddocumentimpacts. Alleducationaloutreachactivitiesshouldincludeanevaluationcomponentthatmeasureschangesinknowledgeorawareness,attitudesandopinions,and/ortheadoptionofnewpracticesbyproducersorotheragriculturalprofessionals.ApprovedprojectreportswillbepostedonthenationalSAREwebsite,andbesharedwithproducers,interestedpolicymakers,andcommunity,state,regionaland nationalleaders.Alleducationalmaterialsandproductsmusthaveanelectronic versiontobeincludedinyourreport.ThePIoftheprojectwillhaveupto60daysfromthePeriodofPerformanceenddatetosubmittheFinalReport.

PleasereviewthedocumentslocatedinDocumentsforManagingaGrantsectionoftheWesternSAREwebsitetounderstandwhatwillbeexpectedifyourprojectisawarded:theResearchandEducationReportingExpectationslistshowsthereportingrequirementsandwhatSAREmayassesstwotofouryearsaftertheproject’scompletion.Additionally,theWesternSARESurveyisatoolforgatheringdatarelatedtotheproject’seducationalandoutreachactivities.Thissurveyisawaytocollectrequireddatatomeasurechangesintheaudienceparticipants(farmer/ranchers,students,public,educators,etc.)knowledge,attitude,skills,andawareness.Resultsfromthissurveyshouldbeincludedinthefinalreportofyourproject.

Selected Proposals

IftheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilselectsyourprojectforfunding,youmayexpectthe following:Notification: TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilwillselectproposalsforfundingduring its2022wintermeeting.TheAdministrativeCouncilreservestherighttorestructureor reducethebudgetofanygrantproposalbeforefinalapproval.WesternSAREstaffwillnotify applicantsofthestatusoftheirproposalsbyApril2022.Award:Ifyourproposalisselectedforfunding,theOfficeofSponsoredProgramsatMontanaStateUniversity(MSU)willinitiateaSubawardAgreementwiththeHostInstitution.TheSubawardAgreementwillidentifyallTermsandConditionsfortheaward,includingreportingrequirements.Funds:Allsubawardsarecostreimbursable.ThesubrecipientwillberesponsibleforinvoicingMSUforallexpensestobereimbursed.InvoicesaretobesubmittedaccordingtotheguidelinesintheSubawardAgreement.10%oftheawardedamountwillbewithheldpendingreceiptandapprovalofthefinalreport.

PhotographsandVideos: Grantrecipientsarerequiredtodocumenttheirprojectwithphotographs,which canbeusefultothemandhelpushighlightandpromotetheirworkonourwebsiteandin publications. Digitalphotographsandvideosarepreferred.ProperCitation: TheWesternSAREprogrammustbecreditedasthefundingsourceinanypublicationsoroutreachmaterialsgenerated.PleaserefertotheWesternSAREwebsiteforacompleteguidelinesforacknowledgingfunds.TheserequirementswillalsobeoutlinedinyourSubawardAgreementfromMSU.Sitevisits: SARErecognizestherearelimitstowhatcanbeaccomplished,measuredandreported duringthelifeofyourproject.Asaresult,alongwithyourreporting,WesternSAREstaffplanto conductpost-projectassessmentsofrepresentativeprojectstogetafullermeasureofWSARE impactinareassuchas:

• WhoisparticipatinginWSARE-fundedprojects?• Whatisbeingadvancedbytheprojects(e.g.,newknowledge,newresearchand/or

educationalapproaches)?

• Whatarepeoplelearningfromtheseprojects?• Whatchangesarefarmersandranchersmaking?• Whateconomic,environmental,orsocialbenefitsareproducersseeingasa

resultoftheoutcomesofthisproject?Changes:Granteesmustreportinformationchangespertainingtotheproposedproject(e.g.,address,phonenumber,email,etc..)totheWesternSAREofficeandupdatetheirSAREprofilesatprojects.sare.org.Significantchangestotheprojectasoriginallyproposed,suchasachangeinPI,Co-PI,HostInstitution,statedobjectives,timeline,budget,etc.,shouldbesentasarequestviaemailtotheWesternSARERegionalCoordinatorforconsiderationandapproval.

How to Apply

Gotohttps://projects.sare.orgLookforprogramsunder“Western”[region]

WestronglyencourageapplicantsreadtheentireCallforProposalsbeforebeginningtowritethe proposal.

Proposalsaredueby12:00PM(noon)MST–November18,2021.

Incompliancewithsection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamended,thismaterialcanbe madeavailableinotherformatsuponrequest.

Resources ChecktheresourcesintheWSAREDocumentsforApplyingsectionoftheWesternSAREwebsite.Ifyouhavefurtherquestions,pleasecontactourofficeat406-994-4789orwsare@montana.edu

Informationonpastprojectscanbefoundhere.WeencourageyoutovisitthistheWesternSAREwebsitetolearnmoreaboutsustainable agricultureandWesternSARE.TipsforwritingproposalsareavailableunderWritingaSuccessfulGrant.TheAlternativeFarmingSystemsInformationCenter(AFSIC)attheNationalAgriculturalLibraryspecializesinlocating,collecting,andprovidinginformationaboutSustainableAgriculture.Informationspecialistscananswerquestions,highlightresources,andsharesearchtechniquesfor literaturereviewsandbackgroundresearch.AFSIChasanumberofresourcesathttp://www.nal.usda.gov/afsicthatmayberelevanttoyourproposal.TheseNRCSEconomicToolsareorganizedbylanduseandtypeofconservationplanninganalysis.Resourcesforeconomicanalysiscanbefoundhere.TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgricultureandMontanaStateUniversityareequalopportunityprovidersandemployers.