MDARD Now Accepting Applications for New Regenerative Agriculture Grant

Applications due February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Lansing, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting applications for its new Regenerative Farmer Network Grant, which will support farmers in implementing practices that improve soil health, protect water quality and promote the long-term sustainability and profitability of Michigan agriculture.

"At a time when uncertain market access, rising production costs and low commodity prices are creating dire farm profitability levels, it's imperative that growers have tools to keep their operations afloat," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Regenerative agriculture can provide scalable and sustainable solutions to help farms become more resilient, productive and profitable in the face of these challenges. These new grants will support peer-to-peer information exchange and support the implementation of regenerative practices to achieve healthier soils and improved bottom lines."

MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Program is one of the first in the nation to be embedded within a state agriculture agency. The department's Regenerative Farmer Network Grants offer awards of up to $50,000 for the creation of farmer-led networks committed to:

• Promoting the core principles of regenerative agriculture,
• Testing new ideas and innovations related to regenerative agriculture, and
• Sharing the results of their regenerative agriculture practices and mentoring others.

Prospective applicants must complete the grant application available on MDARD's website and email it to MDARD-RFNG@michigan.gov by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, February 27, 2026. MDARD invites prospective applicants to participate in an informational webinar on Wednesday, February 4 at 3 p.m. ET. 

All applications for Regenerative Farmer Network Grants will be subject to a competitive process with review by an evaluation committee. MDARD will prioritize grant proposals that focus on the pillars of regenerative agriculture, which include:

• Maximizing biodiversity
• Minimizing soil disturbance
• Keeping soil covered
• Maintaining living roots year-round
• Integrating livestock into farming operations

The Regenerative Farmer Network Grants complement a range of other actions MDARD is taking to promote the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices throughout Michigan. Since its establishment in 2024, MDARD s innovative Regenerative Agriculture Program has:

• Established a demonstration farm to train veterans in partnership with the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids;
• Introduced a free soil health assessment initiative to help farmers identify management practices to boost productivity; and
• Organized regenerative agriculture trainings throughout the state of Michigan.

Regenerative agriculture is an active approach to land management that promotes long-term farm sustainability and food security by minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing plant diversity and integrating livestock into farming operations to improve nutrient cycling and profitability. Regenerative practices can complement or improve conventional agriculture systems, helping farms become more resilient, productive and profitable over the long term.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $700 million investment in regenerative agriculture - demonstrating the widespread, bipartisan support for science-driven practices that directly correlate with farmer success.

Additional details about the Regenerative Farmer Network Grant application, funding priorities and eligibility criteria are available on MDARD's grant web page.

For more information about efforts to promote sustainable farming, visit MDARD's regenerative agriculture web page.

###