For more than 35 years, western sare (wsare) has advanced innovations that improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life in american agriculture

Montana State University's Office of Sponsored Programs received a $10.81 million Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program (CFDA 10.215) effective September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2030. As the Western SARE Regional Host Institution, Montana State University administers a competitive grants program funding research, education, and professional development projects across 13 western states designed to advance sustainable agricultural innovation while improving farm profitability, natural resource stewardship, and rural quality of life. The cooperative agreement supports a systemic, stakeholder-driven approach that engages producers, researchers, educators, and agricultural professionals in identifying and addressing interconnected challenges affecting food production systems, resource conservation, and community resilience in the western agricultural region.

The award funds multiple project categories including research and education initiatives, graduate student projects, on-farm research demonstrations, and farmer-led projects. As of May 2026, Montana State University has distributed sub-awards to 13 sub-grantees including land-grant universities (University of Hawaii, Utah State University, Colorado State University, Oregon State University), conservation districts (Thurston Conservation District, Stevens County Conservation District), nonprofit organizations (Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Institute For Applied Ecology), and private agricultural entities, supporting diverse initiatives spanning crop production optimization, soil health and water resource management, pest management, agroforestry, agricultural viability for beginning farmers, and sustainable aquaculture and beekeeping practices across the western region.

By funding groundbreaking research and education, wsare has consistently put farmers, ranchers, and foresters in the western region first, identifying and addressing their most pressing challenges, protecting the nation's food, fuel, and fiber supply, and supporting the production of healthy, safe food for consumers. This mission directly supports USDA and nifa priorities by investing in developing food systems that are reliable and sustainable; fueling innovation to keep U.S. Producers at the forefront of productivity and efficiency; expanding and developing domestic markets for western agricultural products; and investing in the next generation of agriculturalists to ensure the long-term vitality of american agriculture.wsare's programs use a systemic, stakeholder-driven approach, engaging producers, researchers, educators, and agricultural professionals at local and regional levels. This process ensures that solutions are applied, practical, science-based, and informed by those most directly affected, while also addressing the interconnected challenges of profitability, resource stewardship, and community resilience.