PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To facilitate and increase scientific investigation and education in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers and toxic materials in agricultural production; to improve management of on-farm resources to enhance productivity, profitability and competitiveness; to promote crop, livestock and enterprise diversification and to facilitate the conduct of research projects in order to study agricultural production systems that are located, in areas that possess various soil, climatic, and physical characteristics; to study farms that have been and continue to be managed using farm production practices that optimize the use of on-farm resources and conservation practices; to take advantage of the experience and expertise of farmers and ranchers through their direct participation and leadership in projects; to transfer practical, reliable and timely information to farmers and ranchers concerning sustainable practices and systems; and to promote a partnership between farmers, nonprofit organizations, agribusiness and public and private research and extension institutions.

ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. AGRICULTURE;
- Resource Conservation and Development;
- Research and Development;
2. NATURAL RESOURCES;
- Land Conservation;
- Water Conservation and Research;
3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY;
- Research - General;

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Federal;
- State;
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Other public institution/organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;

WHO CAN APPLY:
- Federal;
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Other public institution/organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);