permaculture

["Marielle Savard" <msavard@eudoramail.com>]

Dear permaculture experts, I am submitting a grant proposal and need some 
farms to use as case studies.

The short-term goal of this study is to assess the value of the 
implementation of permaculture in the US by doing 5 case studies using cost 
benefit analysis. 
The supporting objective is to provide information to farmers on an 
alternative system of agriculture via extension. This information is valuable 
to farmers establishing themselves or changing from conventional to 
sustainable agriculture. 
We will use private cost benefit analysis. The net present value of the 
projects will be calculated. In further research, we will do a social cost 
benefit analysis, measuring non-market values e.g. benefits of a cleaner 
environment. The next steps of the research plan will be: 
1) To compare the net present values of different permaculture projects and 
conventional small-scale farms,
2) To assess the costs and benefits of implementing permaculture on a large 
scale in the US, and
3) To formulate recommendations to policymakers on the optimal use of 
permaculture for achieving cost-effective environmental benefits from 
conservation spending on working lands.



The maximum we can ask for is $75000 for this seed grant that is supposed to 
lead to a bigger grant. Since I have to visit 5 farms and compensate 5 
people, I will have to limit the amount of time spent on each farm.
Our budget is now at 74,997 and we could allocate $750/farm for consultant 
fees. The permaculturist might make extra money with the room & board if I 
stay on the farm for 5 days. Costs of faxes and other expenses could be 
reimbursed under another budget category. And there might be more money 
coming from the next grant..
The program officer said that it would strenghten the grant to send letters 
of people willing to participate. We would send you a typical letter that you 
would sign and return.
Please contact me asap because I am going to China from Nov 21-Dec 29th. The 
deadline is Dec. 1.



---
Dr. Marielle Savard
Assistant Professor
School of Business & Public Administration
Maharishi University of Management
F.B. 1026
Fairfield, Iowa 52557 
USA
Fax (641) 472-1191
Tel.(641) 472-7000 ext.5504
Tel.(641) 472-9180(home for messages)









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