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Regenerative Farmer Network Grant

Regenerative Farmer Network Grant 

Contact MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program: MDARD-RFNG@michigan.gov

Overview

The Regenerative Farmer Network Grant (RFNG) provides annual funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to help farmers across Michigan build peer-to-peer networks focused on regenerative agriculture.

By fostering farmer-led collaboration, RFNG accelerates the adoption of regenerative practices through shared knowledge, mutual support, and hands-on experience. Regenerative farmer networks play a vital role in scaling sustainable agriculture across the state, empowering farmers to lead, innovate, and support one another in building healthier soils, stronger communities, and a more resilient food system.

2026 Grant Recipients

Mid-Michigan 

  • Ionia Resilient Farmer Network
  • Regenerative Ecology & Livestock Integration Collective
  • Michigan Forever Green Field Crops

Northern Michigan 

  • NEMI Regenerative Ag Network
  • Michigan RegenVine Network

Southeast Michigan 

  • Grown in Detroit: Regenerative Network
  • Southern Michigan Small Grains Pilot Network
  • Washtenaw County Agroecology Network

Southwest Michigan

  • West Michigan Small Scale Regenerative Farmer Network

West Michigan 

  • Regenerative Tree Fruit Network
  • Regenerative Pear Growers Network  

Upper Peninsula 

  • From The Ground League of Growers

Join a Network

Farmers are able to join networks and participate in network events at any time. Are you a farmer interested in finding a network or network event? Please contact MDARD-RFNG@Michigan.gov to find out if there is a network near you.  

Funding Priorities

Networks demonstrate consistent and creative approaches to regenerative practices including: 

  • Projects that highlight the five pillars of regenerative agriculture: integrating livestock, minimizing disturbance, promoting diversity, maintaining living roots and covering soil. 
  • On-farm education and/or research with a clear plan to share results with the broader farming community.  
  • A comprehensive outreach plan that promotes the environmental, financial and community benefits of regenerative agriculture.
  • Projects that emphasize farmer-to-farmer mentorship and efforts that are led by farmers. Innovative projects that advance regenerative knowledge by layering, adapting, or piloting new practices.
  • The formation of a new network in an area with little to no farmer-led regenerative activity. 
  • Marketing initiatives that develop new markets, enhance branding, and boost consumer awareness of regenerative products.

Additional Resources