Farmers React to USDA Allocating $700 Million for Regenerative Agriculture

Farmers React to USDA Allocating $700 Million for Regenerative Agriculture

For three generations, the Harris family farmed south Georgia-based White Oak Pastures the conventional way, relying heavily on chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics. In the mid-1990s, fourth generation farmer Will Harris started the transition to regenerative methods, which prioritize building and preserving healthy soils, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and minimal or no tilling. Like many regenerative farmers and proponents, Ha…

'Investing in regenerative and organic is not a political stance': agrifood reacts to USDA's regen ag pilot

Reactions this week to the USDA’s $700 million Regenerative Agriculture Pilot program ranged from unbridled excitement to skepticism to outright concerns of greenwashing—and they highlighted the many nuances involved with regen ag. To recap, USDA said it aims to lower farmer production costs for regenerative practices and “advance” the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will administer …