New initiative will provide $700 million to help farmers improve soil health, enhance water quality, and boost long-term productivity
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) applaud today’s unveiling of a new effort through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), called the Regenerative Pilot Program. This announcement was a collaboration between Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The initiative will promote the use of regenerative agriculture practices on farms, ranches and forests to address natural resource concerns such as soil health, water management and natural vitality. The Regenerative Pilot Program will offer financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to encourage producers to develop voluntary, whole-farm conservation plans.
“Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are thrilled to see the launch of the new Regenerative Pilot Program,” said Ariel Wiegard, PF & QF’s vice president of government affairs. “The MAHA movement's focus on regenerative agriculture practices, prescribed grazing, and precision agriculture technology adoption aligns perfectly with PF & QF’s mission—the conservation technical assistance provided by our team is centered on helping farmers and ranchers achieve their operations' soil health, clean water, input efficiency, and revenue goals. We stand ready to assist producers with conservation planning and program enrollment to address their resource concerns and improve their bottom line.”
“Protecting and improving the health of our soil is critical not only for the future viability of farmland, but to the future success of American farmers. In order to continue to be the most productive and efficient growers in the world, we must protect our topsoil from unnecessary erosion and improve soil health and land stewardship. Today’s announcement encourages these priorities while supporting farmers who choose to transition to regenerative agriculture. The Regenerative Pilot Program also puts Farmers First and reduces barriers to entry for conservation programs,” said Secretary Rollins. “This is another initiative driven by President Trump’s mission to Make America Healthy Again. Alongside Secretary Kennedy, we have made great strides to ensure the safe, nutritious, and affordable food our great farmers produce make it to dinner tables across this great country.”
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Farm Bill biologist program is a nationwide effort to provide technical assistance to landowners and producers enrolling in conservation programs. Over 400 biologists are stationed around the country and are available for anyone to contact with questions and for help with USDA program enrollment. Visit this page to find your local Farm Bill biologist and their contact information.