Regenerative Farmer Network Grant

Regenerative Farmer Network Grant 

Contact MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program

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.
If you have questions about the program, contact MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program. 

Forms

• Grant Application: The grant application period will be open from February 1, 2026 until February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET. Applications must be submitted in Microsoft Word format to MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program. 
• Request for Proposals: This MDARD document includes guidelines for the grant application, including a checklist, and helpful definitions. 

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.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify, applicants must:

• Create a farmer-led network that includes at least five agricultural farmers
• Contribute 30 percent matching funds of the total request
• Enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with at least one of the following:
  • A local conservation district
  • Michigan State University Extension
  • A nonprofit conservation or agricultural organization

Maximum award: $50,000
Administrative costs: Up to 25% of the total request (e.g., $12,500 for a $50,000 project)

A complete list of eligibility requirements is included in the request for proposals.