USDA expands funding for Regenerative Pilot Program

The USDA announced it will expand the Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion for fiscal year 2027. The increased funds will provide more farmers and ranchers with financial assistance to adopt conservation systems.  

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program and supports the adoption of conservation systems that improve soil health, water quality and long-term farm resilience. Qualifying conservation programs include systems that improve soil health and water management. Producers can combine multiple conservation projects on one application. 

Fiscal year 2027 includes several program updates: 

• NRCS will use the locally led conservation model to give State Technical Advisory Committees flexibility to meet local needs and priorities. 

• The Conservation Stewardship Program resource concern threshold is being reduced from 100% to 75%. 

• Multiple monitoring and evaluation options are available to reflect the differing needs of cropland, grazing land and forestry operations.