USDA Supplemental and Alternative Crops (SAC) Competitive Grants Program
OPPORTUNITY:
The Supplemental and Alternative Crops (SAC) Competitive Grants Program supports projects that lead to expanded adaptation and increased acres in the United States of canola grown for oil and industrial hemp grown for value-added products. SAC supports the breeding, testing, and development of superior-performing canola, industrial hemp varieties, and production practices that result in improved cost efficiencies, reduced grower risks, and wider use in production systems. Research results and technology developed are expected to be rapidly transferred to producers and other users through effective extension outreach and other engagement efforts.
DESCRIPTION:
These crops are essential to U.S. agriculture in that they can provide new and profitable cropping options in response to low commodity prices and changes in consumer demand for new agricultural-based products. The U.S. does not produce enough canola oil to meet its annual domestic consumption needs. Modern canola has major uses in healthy human foods and animal feeds, as a natural pest control as a cover crop, and as a feedstock in industrial chemical manufacture and biofuel production. Hemp has been grown historically for its essential oil, seed, and fiber. Revival of industrial hemp cultivation requires intensification of crop improvement and marketing research to address the fundamental and unique challenges facing the emerging U.S. hemp industry.
The purpose of this integrated research and extension program is to adapt these multiple-purpose crops to diverse growing regions in the United States so that domestic canola oil and industrial hemp production can be significantly increased and profitable nationwide. Such efforts require strategically designed, region-based research approaches and effective communication of useful information and transfer of technologies to users as rapidly as possible. SAC supports research and extension in conventional and organic production systems.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
- Colleges and universities
- 0ther Federal agencies
- Private sector entities
Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.
MATCHING FUNDS:
No matching funds required
FUNDING AVAILABLE AND APPLICATION WINDOW:
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: $938,000
MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT: $250,000 per year
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOTICE OF INTENT DEADLINE: April 6, 2023; APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 27, 2023
