NEWS RELEASE

NACD Applauds USDA Launch of Regenerative Pilot Program

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins yesterday announced the launch of a new Regenerative Pilot Program in collaboration with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, building upon HHS’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) strategy. Administered by the NRCS, the program enables producers to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application, streamlining access to conservation technical assistance and strengthening the USDA’s longstanding commitment to soil health and resilient working lands.

The program will address key resource concerns, including soil health, water quality, and natural vitality. USDA will invest $700 million in the first year, including $400 million from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million from the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Additional private investment, enabled through implementation of the SUSTAINS Act, is expected to expand support for producers and encourage deeper collaboration across supply chains. The NRCS will also establish the Chief’s Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council, which will meet quarterly to advise on program implementation.

NACD applauds USDA’s streamlining of conservation programs, particularly the opportunities for stronger private-public partnerships.  Conservation districts across the country are already helping landowners and operators adopt regenerative systems that improve soil function, enhance productivity, and support emerging market opportunities. Many districts are also advancing these efforts through Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grants, positioning producers to meet growing supply chain sustainability goals.

Producers interested in technical assistance to design and implement regenerative agricultural practices can reach out to their local conservation district or NRCS office. They can apply for funding through their local NRCS Service Center by their state’s FY2026 ranking dates.

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About the National Association of Conservation Districts: 

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For 90 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.