The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality and boost long-term productivity.
“Protecting and improving the health of our soil is critical not only for the future viability of farmland, but to the future success of American farmers,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said. “In order to continue to be the most productive and efficient growers in the world, we must protect our topsoil from unnecessary erosion and improve soil health and land stewardship. Today’s announcement encourages these priorities while supporting farmers who choose to transition to regenerative agriculture.”
FIXING CURRENT CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Congress created the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve conservation of the nation’s soil and water resources. That led to improved soil health, natural resources management and increased productivity. But thecurrent conservation programs at USDA have become overly burdensome, and farmers are bogged down with red tape whenever they try to adopt soil health and regenerative agriculture practices. The Regenerative Pilot Program addresses these challenges by cutting administrative burdens for producers, expanding access to new and beginning farmers, and boosting yields and long-term soil resilience.
The Regenerative Pilot Program, administered by NRCS, delivers a streamlined, outcome-based conservation model. That model empowers producers to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application.
In fiscal year 2026, the Regenerative Pilot Program will focus on whole-farm planning that addresses every major resource concern — soil, water and natural vitality — under a single conservation framework. USDA is dedicating $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program to fund the first year of regenerative agriculture projects.
Producers can now bundle multiple regenerative practices into one application, streamlining the process and increasing flexibility for operations. The program is designed for both beginning and advanced producers.
NRCS is establishing the Chief’s Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council to advise the chief of NRCS, review implementation progress, and help guide data and reporting improvements.
This announcement unlocks new opportunities for USDA to leverage existing authorities to create public-private partnerships within NRCS conservation programs. These partnerships will allow USDA to match private funding and bring new capacity to producers interested in adopting regenerative practices.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY
Those interested in partnering with USDA NRCS in the Regenerative Pilot Program can email regenerative@usda.gov for more information.
Farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply through their local NRCS Service Center for consideration in fiscal year 2026 funding.
Source: USDA
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