State Leadership for Regenerative Agriculture 

Regenerative agriculture encompasses a suite of management practices that can replenish and strengthen farm and ranch ecosystems. Techniques such as consistent soil coverage, plant diversity, and integrated livestock can help increase soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce farm dependence on costly synthetic inputs. Such methods have the potential to promote rural livability, healthy soils, resilience, and clean water.

However, regenerative agriculture is not as widely practiced than conventional practices, which can pose financial, technical, and social risk for farmers. Our convening seeks to support the development of state-level strategies that can aid in this transition during a period where reduced federal funding makes it critical for states to take the lead in supporting farmers and rural communities.

During our time together, we will discuss how to increase coordination, share resources, and build momentum toward a regenerative future. We will engage in thoughtful discussion to ensure our strategies broadly resonate among stakeholders and provide actionable steps forward. We will highlight growing Midwestern efforts that are working toward bipartisan initiatives. Most importantly, we will deepen our relationships so we can work collaboratively toward beneficial changes to the agricultural system.