U.S. Department of Agriculture unveils $700 million for regenerative agriculture
Key Takeaways
On December 10, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the launch of a $700 million pilot program to support regenerative agriculture practices across the country. The Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program seeks to enhance long-term agricultural sustainability, strengthen conservation outcomes and improve the production of healthy, nutritious food through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture focuses on a holistic approach to farming that emphasizes improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, increasing water efficiency and supporting carbon sequestration. These practices – such as cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, rotational grazing and integrating livestock – aim to make farm systems more resilient while reducing inputs like fertilizer and pesticides and restoring degraded land. Regenerative farming also supports broader ecosystem and community benefits, including promoting biodiversity, improving the quality and nutrient density of agricultural products and strengthening rural economies.
How will this be implemented?
USDA’s Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program will be delivered through investing $700 million to two existing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs:
- $400 million for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to provide financial and technical assistance for on-farm regenerative agriculture practices
- $300 million for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to reward producers who maintain or expand conservation efforts on working lands
An additional $300 million not included in the announcement will go towards supporting the Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) to help offer conservation knowledge and tools to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners.
Farmers participating in the initiative will complete whole-farm assessments and develop regenerative conservation plans that include at least one core soil health or resource management practice. Participants will also conduct soil health testing to measure progress over the life of the contract.
How does this impact counties?
Counties recognize their vital role in supporting agricultural production, land stewardship and community health. NACo values the work of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the technical expertise its field offices provide to help counties address local conservation priorities. NACo also supports federal incentives that encourage the best practices to protect natural resources and promote environmental resilience.
NACo will continue to monitor USDA’s implementation of the Regenerative Agriculture Initiative and share updates as additional program details become available.
View USDA Press Release New USDA Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program Homepage
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Resource
The County Role in Food Systems
