Pete Huff Joins NCR SARE as New Regional Director

Leadership Transition Strengthens Sustainable Agriculture Research Work

• Bonnie Johnson
• November 18, 2025
• Media Article

This article introduces Pete Huff as NCR SARE’s new regional director. It highlights his leadership experience, academic background, and commitment to sustainable agriculture as he begins this new role.

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North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, known as NCR-SARE, welcomes Pete Huff as the new regional director. This leadership change marks an important moment for the program as it continues to support sustainable agriculture across the North Central region. Huff brings strong experience, strong partnerships, and a long record of supporting farmers, researchers, and communities.
 

Pete Huff currently serves as the director of the Wallace Center at Winrock International. In this role, he leads many sustainable agriculture projects, including applied research and outreach programs. Most of his work supports farmers and partners in the North Central region.
 

He also manages many grant proposals, subawards, subcontracts, and yearly grant-making efforts. Through his career, he has helped secure more than $50 million in funding and has built partnerships with universities, nonprofits, private groups, and government agencies.
 

Before joining the Wallace Center, Huff worked as the Director of Food Systems at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis. He also worked in Victoria, Australia, where he supported community food production as an urban agriculture facilitator for the City of Yarra. These roles helped him gain a broad understanding of food systems, community development, and sustainable farming practices.
 

Huff’s academic background supports his leadership in agriculture and environmental work. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Indiana University in Bloomington. He also holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
 

Pete Huff will officially begin his new role on December 1. He will work closely with NCR-SARE’s current regional director, Beth Nelson, during a transition period. Nelson plans to retire in February 2026 after years of service. This transition helps maintain program stability and ensures continued support for sustainable agriculture research.
 

With Huff’s experience and commitment, NCR-SARE looks forward to strengthening its mission and growing its impact across the region.
 

Photo by: northcentral.sare.org