The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) is now accepting applications for the 2013 Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture award, which recognizes outstanding educational programs in sustainable agriculture. The award comes with a $500 honorarium and a requirement to present during the NACAA Annual Meeting/Professional Improvement Conference.

All NACAA members in good standing with their state associations are eligible to apply.

Last year’s national finalists included University of Minnesota Extension Educator Jill Sackett, who organized an initiative to promote alternative crops; and a team led by University of Florida Extension Agent Allison Meharg that is expanding the production and marketing of specialty crops by small farms.

Sackett’s project, the Third Crop Program, involved a series of field days, presentations and publications aimed at increasing knowledge of alternative crops, with the larger goals of increasing acreage of alternative crops and improving water quality in local watersheds.

Working with partners in the Florida Panhandle, the University of Florida team focused on developing and promoting low-cost systems for extending the growing season for specialty crops, including shade houses, hydroponics and high tunnels. The team hoped to increase the number of specialty crop farmers in the area by 20 percent in 2012.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2013 Search for Excellence award are due March 15. The award, open to individuals and teams, recognizes one winner from each of SARE’s four geographic regions. All NACAA members in good standing with their state associations are eligible to apply. In the case of team entries, all team members need not be a current member of NACAA. Find complete application information online.

Winners must agree to present their educational program during the NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. Consult event organizers for dates and location of the 2013 event.