PURPOSE: This rule sets forth the requirement for funding the development and coordination of demonstration projects on the lands of individual farmers in this state under actual farming conditions that will reduce the dependency of food and fiber production on nonrenewal inputs.

1. (1) The Center for Sustainable Agriculture Systems of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture shall solicit applications from individual farmers describing the following points:

   1. (A) General name of project;
   2. (B) Names of individual farmers who will carry out the project and the local extension contact;
   3. (C) Detailed description of how this project, under actual farming conditions, will reduce the dependency of food and fiber production on nonrenewable inputs. Also, what innovative technologies and strategies will be used;
   4. (D) A detailed budget for the project, that shall not exceed a total of three thousand dollars ($3,000) per project;
   5. (E) Details on how the information obtained from this project will be disseminated to other farmers in the state; and
   6. (F) A time line for completion of the project which shall not exceed thirty-six (36) months.
2. (2) A committee of five (5) persons, one (1) from the Plant Industries Division, Missouri Department of Agriculture, one (1) from the Market Development Division, Missouri Department of Agriculture, one (1) from the University of Missouri-Extension and two (2) farmers shall review all applications and select those projects for funding that, in their opinion, will derive maximum information for helping other farmers implement a program in sustainable agriculture. Geographical distribution will be considered in the selection process.
3. (3) Upon approval of a project, a check in the amount indicated will be issued to the University of Missouri not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000) per project.
4. (4) An annual progress report shall be submitted by February 1 of each year to the 2 CSR 70-12

Missouri Department of Agriculture on each project approved. A final report will be submitted within six (6) months after the completion of the project, including a detailed summary of the results and recommendations on how farmers can adopt various farming practices that will contribute to a decrease in non-renewable inputs for producing food and fiber.

1. (5) The University of Missouri will submit to the Missouri Department of Agriculture an audit of how all funds were spent. This information shall be provided by August 31 of each year and shall cover the previous fiscal year.

AUTHORITY: section 261.105, RSMo 1994.* Original rule filed Nov. 9, 1994, effective April 30, 1995. *Original authority: 261.105, RSMo 1990, amended 1993.