{"id":559,"date":"2026-04-27T12:12:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/?p=559"},"modified":"2026-04-27T12:12:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:12:42","slug":"2026-northeast-sare-farmer-grant-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/2026\/04\/27\/2026-northeast-sare-farmer-grant-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

April 22, 2026<\/em>
\nCongratulations to the 2026 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant recipients. These farmer-led projects explore innovative research and education techniques across production systems, including vegetable, livestock, poultry, fruit, hemp, and mushroom production, agroforestry, aquaculture, and apiculture. This was a highly competitive year with 207 applications. The slate includes 33 new projects across ten states.<\/p>\n

The funded work supports the USDA’s research priorities of Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers, Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products, and Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land.<\/p>\n

Projects are listed by state. Follow the link for each project o learn more.<\/p>\n

Connecticut<\/h3>\n
\n

Bench Terracing: Converting Marginal Wooded Slopes into High-Performance Market Gardens<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-139)
\nJonathan Brewer, Grover Brook – $29,981<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Massachusetts<\/h3>\n
\n

Evaluation of Novel Wild Apple Hard Cider Cultivars for the Northeast<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-140)
\nJonathan Carr, Carr’s Ciderhouse – $17,160<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Modernizing Seed Saving Techniques for African Crops to Improve Efficiency, Quantity and Quality of Expensive and Difficult to Obtain Seeds<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-155)
\nGertrude Malesi, Osinde Omonyenye Farm – $11,637<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Automation & AI for Small-Scale Farm Efficiency: A Farmer-Led Innovation Project<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-157)
\nJody Mendoza, Farming is Life – $29,375<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Comparison of the Efficacy of Mite-resistance Assays in Predicting Resistance Trait Heritability, Colony Mite Loads, and Overwinter Colony Survival<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-164)
\nAngela Roell, They Keep Bees (Formerly Yard Birds Farm & Apiary) – $29,231<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Maine<\/h3>\n
\n

Modular Battery System for Efficient Single-Operator Vessel-Based Oyster Aquaculture<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-144)
\nGreg Foote, Dirigo Marine Resources – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Comparing Solar-Powered Oyster Sorting Systems to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability in Oyster Farming<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-148)
\nLauren Gray, Cranberry Oysters – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Virtual Fencing vs. Net Fencing: Measuring Labor Savings and Grazing Efficiency on a Small Ruminant Farm in Rural Maine<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-149)
\nKimberly Grindle, Grazy Acres – $28,753<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Field Testing Razor Clam Grow-Out Systems for Sustainable Aquaculture in Maine<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-151)
\nEverett Horch, Merrymeeting Shellfish Company – $26,182<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Increasing Production Efficiency of Soft-Shell Green Crabs Using Oyster Bottom Cages and Bag Density Trials<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-156)
\nMichael Masi, shell+claw – $21,050<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Developing an Automated Grader Specific to Atlantic Sea Scallops, Placopecten magellanicus, to Support the Growing New England Aquaculture Industry<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-166)
\nMichael Scannell, Saco Bay Sea Farms LLC – $28,160<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Over the Fence: Up-Scaling Resilient Woody Forage from Field Edges: Can Tree and Shrub Browse Support Dairy Cattle During Pasture Dormancy?<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-169)
\nElizabeth Tarantino, Wolfe’s Neck Center – $29,954<\/p>\n

Maryland<\/h3>\n
\n

‘Squashing’ the Nutrient Competition: Optimizing Fertility and Weed Management for Profitable Low-Till Organics<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-138)
\nBryan Alexander, Good Dog Farm, LLC – $25,638<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Converting Discarded Pork Fat into a Value-Added Moisturizer to Increase Farm Profitability and Reduce Animal Waste<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-145)
\nJulie Friend, Wildom Farm – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Establishing Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Sustainable Feed Source in Floriculture Aquaponics<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-163)
\nTom Precht, Floraponics – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

New Hampshire<\/h3>\n
\n

Field Evaluation of Cold-hardy Dwarf Sour Cherry Varieties In Northern New Hampshire<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-159)
\nDoug Morin, Tellman Hill Farm – $22,040<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

New Jersey<\/h3>\n
\n

Comparative Evaluation of Rooted Cuttings vs. Mowed Vines for Cranberry Establishment<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-150)
\nJohn Michael Haines, Pine Island Cranberry Co. – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

New York<\/h3>\n
\n

Secondary Compounds in Willow: Measuring Levels and Seasonal Variation of Tannins and Salicin for Livestock and Human Health<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-146)
\nSteve and Elizabeth Gabriel, Wellspring Forest Farm LLC – $29,979<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Refining Eastern Oyster Seed Production: An Efficiency Study Comparing Traditional FLUPSYs to Open Water Surface Culture<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-153)
\nKyra Leonardi, Stein Seafoods LLC, dba Peeko Oysters – $29,469<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Cultivating Native North American Truffles: Soil Genomics and Agroforestry Protocols for the Northeast<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-160)
\nWilliam Padilla-Brown, MycoSymbiotics – $26,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Ember to Earth – best practices for biochar application on small to medium farms in the NY North Country<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-161)
\nJennifer Perry, RIVER VALLEY REGENERATIVES – $29,996<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Feasibility of Native Plant Nursery Production for Urban Farms in the Northeast<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-162)
\nMayda Pozantides, Groundwork Market Garden – $23,895<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Farmer-Led Innovation for Small-Scale Sorghum Harvesting: Designing Tools for Soil Health and Regional Resilience<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-168)
\nBrooke Singer, Wally, LLC – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n
\n

Establishing New High-Value Medicinal Mushroom Crops (Poria cocos, Lignosus rhinocerotis) using Sustainable Controlled Environment Systems<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-142)
\nJames Cook, Performance Fungi – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Evaluating Artificial Smoke Alternatives for Honey Bee Hive Management<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-147)
\nMark Gingrich, Gingrich Apiaries, LLC – $19,876<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Testing Natural Feed Additives for Blackhead Prevention in Pastured Turkey Flocks<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-152)
\nCharles Lafferty, Skyline Pastures – $26,914<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Smart Backyard Chicken Goes Rural: AI\/ML for Sustainable Flocks<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-154)
\nJoseph Litvak, Shomron Farm – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Growing Gandules in Short-Season Latitudes: Identifying, Improving, and Promoting Pigeon Peas for Northeastern Farms and Kitchens.<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-170)
\nOwen Taylor, Truelove Seeds – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Rhode Island<\/h3>\n
\n

Using NoFence Virtual Fencing to Enhance Grazing, Soil Health, and Invasive Species Management on Small Coastal Livestock Farms<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-158)
\nNatalie Meyer, Moonstone Land and Cattle LLC – $29,730<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Closed-Loop Hemp: Organic Extraction and Aerosol Recovery for Sustainable Production<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-167)
\nMike Simpson, Lovewell Farms, LLC – $29,640<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Vermont<\/h3>\n
\n

Low Tech Caribbean Crop Trials in Northern Vermont<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-141)
\nNicole Civita, JD, LL.M., Frontline Farming – $25,642<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Hazelnuts for the Northeast: Trialing Next Generation Hybrids for Cold Hardiness<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-143)
\nTad Cooke, Double Darling Farm – $28,796<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Wild-Simulated Medicinal Plant Cultivation with Community Engagement<\/a><\/b>\u00a0(FNE26-165)
\nEmily Ruff, Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary – $30,000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

April 22, 2026 Congratulations to the 2026 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant recipients. These farmer-led projects explore innovative research and education techniques across production systems, including vegetable, livestock, poultry, fruit, hemp, and mushroom production, agroforestry, aquaculture, and apiculture. This was a highly competitive year with 207 applications. The slate includes 33 new projects across ten states. … Continue reading 2026 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Projects<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":243,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[544216],"class_list":["post-559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-projects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/243"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=559"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/559\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":562,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/559\/revisions\/562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vtsare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}