Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Note: Black Belt Aquacultures and Poultry Waste projects are still highly encouraged, but must be put in context of one of the following priority areas.

Water and Soil Resources

Projects that address sustainability of Alabama’s soil and water resources are to be prioritized for awards, especially those that address soil erosion and sedimentation; water use, supply/demand issues particularly concerning agricultural production systems; or policy issues addressing these resources. Such efforts might lead toward the development of improvements in managing, protecting or improving conditions of these resources. This priority area encompasses natural and aquaculture systems, as well as agricultural waste management issues (which includes poultry waste). Projects that address carbon sequestration and related outreach are encouraged.

Rural Community Economic Development

This priority area should focus on research activities, or joint research/Extension activities, that relate to improving the quality of life and economic well being of rural communities. Proposals should address one or more of the following topics: community leadership, community and regional partnerships, citizen engagement, community planning and design, workforce preparation and development, rural infrastructure (including telecommunications), business recruitment and attraction, business retention and expansion, commercial and retail development, tourism and retiree attraction, entrepreneurship and small business development, and value-added agricultural or natural-resource based industries with the potential to positively impact rural economies. The current call for proposals is distinct from the Rural Alabama Initiative (RAI), which is exclusively for Extension and Outreach activities, and has no research component.

Healthy Lifestyles

This priority area is focused on issues related to strengthening families, through an entire lifespan, in several areas of community health, aging, nutrition, food systems and safe food supply, financial literacy, family life and housing. Specific areas for consideration are: 1) health disparities, e.g., access to healthcare for all; 2) issues related to aging, e.g., chronic disease, financial literacy; 3) family life, including parenting skills, and care giving (regardless of age); 4) food systems/food safety, 5) obesity: food insecurity, food access, especially as related to low income families in rural areas and 6) healthy and affordable homes, e.g., energy savings, asthma management, mold/mildew control and lead poisoning. All proposals should have a research component and a strong Extension component.

Nature Based Enterprises

Projects that address issues on the sustainability of Alabama’s natural resources as can be used in generating financial returns are focal to this priority area. Projects are being sought that address increasing tourism and outdoor activities, such as birding, hiking or gardening, sport-fishing or other water-based activities; establishment of thematic ‘trails’; increasing human access and understanding of our natural environment; and policy issues that affect these enterprises.

Food, Fiber and Agricultural Systems.

With this priority area, projects are sought that address sustainable practices of any food, fiber or agricultural system. These systems should be considered in their entirety, from production, through handling, to processing and marketing. Included will be food, animal and plant (flora) security, animal stewardship, production system documentation, pesticide safety, invasive species management, niche food, and value-added products.

Energy Feedstocks and Improved Energy Efficiencies

Proposals are invited that address issues with producing, collecting, transporting, and processing bioenergy feedstocks and overcoming hurdles to allow economically feasible bioenergy production systems. Additional proposals are invited that address techniques and programs that improve energy efficiency of agricultural and forest production systems including reduction of energy use in poultry or aquaculture operations, etc. Projects that address the use of agricultural wastes (including from animal, poultry and aquaculture production systems) as energy sources are also sought.