Dec 11, 2025New $700M program aims to encourage regenerative ag practices
A new $700 million program aims to help U.S. growers adopt regenerative practices to improve soil health, enhance water quality and boost long-term productivity.
Administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Regenerative Pilot Program will focus on holistic farm management under a single conservation framework, according to the USDA.
Funding for 2026 regenerative agriculture projects will be provided by $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), according to the department.
“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,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in announcing the program Dec. 10. “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.”
Producers can apply through local USDA Service Centers by their state’s ranking dates for consideration in fiscal year 2026 funding
Encouraging regenerative practices
Created in response to the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, NRCS is USDA’s primary private lands conservation agency. Its creation has driven improved soil health and natural resource management while increasing productivity. According to USDA statistics, total U.S. farm production increased 190% from 1948 to 2021, while total farm inputs such as land, labor, and water decreased 2% in the same period.
However, USDA data shows that farmers recently reported that 25% of acres had water-driven erosion concerns and 16% of acres had wind-driven erosion concerns.
The new program aims to reduce administrative burdens for producers adopting soil health and regenerative agriculture practices by bundling multiple regenerative practices into one application.
As part of the program, NRCS is establishing the Chief’s Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council. The council will meet quarterly, with rotating participants, to advise the NRCS chief, review implementation progress, and help guide data and reporting improvements.
The program will also support public-private partnerships within NRCS conservations programs, with USDA matching private funding for conservation practices that improve natural resources management.
More information is available by emailing [email protected].
