Outreach
In addition to research and education, SARA provides an outreach component that helps ensure that the results of research in sustainable agriculture are disseminated throughout South Texas and beyond. This integrated approach includes an outreach component that provides:
Essential outreach opportunities for applied research. Outreach staff, which provide agricultural training and technical assistance, work directly with farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses to implement strategies and processes developed through applied research.
Exceptional community linkages for Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). Outreach staff, which interact regularly with agricultural producers, effectively link SARA researchers with community-based research partners.
Robust extension and outreach components for integrated, extramural research projects. Outreach staff, which provide training and technical assistance, have the contacts and expertise to ensure that the outreach components of integrated projects are accomplished.
Ample experiential learning and employment opportunities for UTRGV students. Outreach staff, with expertise in developing grants and business-operating plans for agricultural clients, provide learning and employment opportunities for students.
Outreach projects that are currently supported by SARA include
- Texas Rural Cooperative Center (TRCC) — develops and grows cooperatives and rural businesses to improve the economic conditions of South Texas.
- Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) — improves the livelihoods of socially disadvantaged groups by delivering culturally-appropriate technical assistance to small-scale Hispanic and Women producers in rural South Texas.
- South-West Texas StrikeForce Initiative for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (BFRDP) — enhances the sustainability of beginning farmers and ranchers by helping them to successfully direct market their agricultural produce and products in South Texas.