U.S. Launches $700 Million Regenerative Pilot Program for Farmers
(Washington, D.C., December 10, 2025) – In a significant step towards enhancing sustainable agriculture, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz have unveiled a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program aimed at empowering American farmers. This initiative seeks to improve soil health, enhance water quality, and bolster long-term productivity, while also strengthening the nation’s food and fiber supply.
Investing in Healthy Futures
This announcement builds on the “Make Our Children Healthy Again” strategy released earlier in September. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will also invest in researching the links between regenerative agriculture practices and public health. A new public health outreach campaign will highlight this connection, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming for future generations.
“Protecting and improving the health of our soil is crucial not only for the viability of farmland but also for the success of American farmers,” Secretary Rollins stated. “Today’s initiative encourages the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices that prioritize soil health and land stewardship. This program not only puts Farmers First but also reduces barriers for those seeking to engage in conservation efforts.”
“The MAHA Strategy Report has clear directives on soil health,” Secretary Kennedy added. “Today’s announcement marks a vital step forward in restoring the health of our soil as part of our commitment to Make America Healthy Again.”
CMS Administrator Dr. Oz emphasized the connection between health and wealth, stating, “A wealthy nation must also be a healthy one. Access to affordable, nutritious food is essential for our citizens, and today’s program aims to strengthen that access.”
Addressing Historical Challenges
The establishment of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in response to the Dust Bowl illustrates a long history of efforts to improve soil and water conservation in the U.S. Between 1948 and 2021, U.S. farm production saw a remarkable increase of 190%, with a minimal decrease in agricultural inputs.
However, many farmers face significant red tape when trying to adopt new conservation practices. Recent USDA data indicates that 25% of agricultural land is threatened by water-driven erosion, while 16% faces wind-driven erosion.
The Regenerative Pilot Program aims to eliminate these hurdles by streamlining processes for farmers, ensuring greater access for new and beginning producers, and enhancing productivity and soil resilience.
Details of the Regenerative Pilot Program
Administered by NRCS, this pioneering program implements an outcomes-based conservation model, allowing farmers to plan and implement comprehensive regenerative practices under a single application. The USDA is allocating $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to fund the initial year of regenerative projects.
Farmers can now apply for multiple regenerative practices in one go, making the process more efficient and flexible for all producers, regardless of their experience level in regenerative agriculture.
Establishment of the Chief’s Advisory Council
To ensure the program’s effectiveness and relevance, NRCS will establish the Chief’s Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council, which will convene quarterly. The Council will provide guidance on program implementation and help enhance data reporting. These insights will shape the future of USDA conservation programs.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
Recognizing the growing interest from private companies in funding sustainable farming practices, the new program paves the way for public-private partnerships. By leveraging existing authorities, USDA can match private funding, maximizing the impact of taxpayer dollars and expanding opportunities for farmers interested in adopting regenerative practices.
Companies interested in collaborating with USDA on the Regenerative Pilot Program are encouraged to reach out by emailing regenerative@usda.gov.
Application Process
Farmers and ranchers keen on exploring regenerative agriculture are invited to apply through their local NRCS Service Center. Applications for EQIP and CSP can now be submitted under a unified application process before their state’s ranking dates for FY2026 funding.
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