WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — USDA is increasing financial assistance for its Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion for fiscal year 2027, giving more farmers and ranchers access to conservation funding aimed at soil health, water quality, and long-term resilience.
USDA will provide $650 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and $350 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Producers can combine multiple regenerative practices under a single application.
The department is also lowering the Conservation Stewardship Program resource-concern threshold from 100% to 75%, reducing the barrier to entry while maintaining whole-farm planning. State Technical Advisory Committees can also recommend practices that reflect local production systems and resource concerns.
USDA says more than 5,100 regenerative agriculture contracts totaling more than $851 million were obligated during the previous fiscal year. New program changes also include dedicated funding set-asides, expanded technical support, and improved tracking.
Farmers and ranchers can apply through local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices using their state’s fiscal 2027 ranking deadlines.
