Regenerative Farmer Network Grant

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. 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, and enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a local conservation district, Michigan State University Extension, or a nonprofit conservation or agricultural organization.

Eligible projects include those highlighting the five pillars of regenerative agriculture (integrating livestock, minimizing disturbance, promoting diversity, maintaining living roots, and covering soil), on-farm education or research with a plan to share results, comprehensive outreach plans, and marketing initiatives. Applications must be submitted in Microsoft Word format to MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program by the deadline.