(WDNews) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting a new Regenerative Pilot Program to help farmers improve soil health, protect water, and grow crops more sustainably. The $700 million program makes it easier for farmers to try regenerative practices and reduces paperwork.
The program is open to both new and experienced farmers. It also supports research on how healthier soil and farming practices can benefit public health.
Farmers can apply at their local USDA office. The program includes partnerships with private companies to stretch funding and help more farms adopt these practices.
USDA launches $700 million program to help farmers use regenerative practices
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $700 million program Wednesday to help farmers use regenerative farming practices that protect soil, improve water quality, and increase crop productivity.
The program is led by USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, working with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. It also includes research on how regenerative farming can improve public health.
“Protecting our soil is important for the future of farming and for farmers’ success,” Rollins said. She added that the program will make it easier for farmers to join and reduce paperwork.
The program builds on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) plan released in September, which focuses on soil health and land stewardship. Kennedy said this new program helps meet those goals. Oz said that healthy food is an important part of keeping Americans healthy and praised the program for strengthening the nation’s food supply.
Farmers can use the program to plan and carry out several regenerative practices at once through a single, simpler application. The first year of funding includes $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
The program is open to both new and experienced farmers. It aims to increase crop yields, improve soil, and reduce erosion from wind and water. Farmers and ranchers can apply at their local USDA office by their state’s application deadline.
USDA will also create the Chief’s Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council, which will meet regularly to give advice and track progress. The program encourages partnerships with private companies, which can help match federal funding to expand conservation efforts.
Officials said the program builds on lessons from the Dust Bowl era, when Congress started the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to protect the nation’s soil and water. Even today, USDA data shows that 25% of farmland has problems with water erosion and 16% has problems with wind erosion. The new program is designed to help fix these problems and make it easier for farmers to participate.
