This week, more than 500 farmers from every state, U.S. territory, and several Tribal Nations delivered a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging timely delivery of funds for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. While SARE funding is typically made available in March, this year’s request for applications didn’t drop until September 11, leaving SARE host institutions little time to secure funding before the fiscal year closes. The letter asks USDA to ensure SARE dollars are approved on time so farmers can access regionally appropriate, farmer-led research that supports productivity and competitiveness. “As USDA’s only farmer-led research program, SARE has invested in farmer profitability, stewardship, and quality of life for over 35 years. “The current demand for sustainable agriculture solutions far outweighs available resources.