Grant Details

Rodale institute farm fund

The Rodale Institute Farm Fund is part of a multi-billion dollar investment by the USDA to help farmers adopt conservation practices, improve farm infrastructure, expand markets, and strengthen their operations.

Farmers in 13 eligible states can apply for funding to implement regenerative conservation practices, purchase equipment needed to put those practices into action, improve water and irrigation systems, expand markets, install high tunnels, or develop conservation and organic transition plans.

Applications are tentatively expected to open at the end of August 2026 and will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are spent. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and farmers may apply for multiple funding opportunities, but must complete one grant before applying for another.

Explore the funding opportunities below to find the grant that best fits your farm and conservation goals.

funding opportunities

regenerative practices incentive

This grant provides financial incentives for farmers to implement eligible NRCS conservation practices that support regenerative agriculture and conservation on their farms.

$2,500 per acre
1-year contract
10-acre maximum

Eligible practices include:
- Cover Crop — NRCS Code 340
- Conservation Cover — NRCS Code 327
- Conservation Crop Rotation — NRCS Code 328
- Residue and Tillage Management, No-Till — NRCS Code 329
- Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till — NRCS Code 345
- Mulching — NRCS Code 484
- Grazing Management — NRCS Code 528
- Pasture and Hay Planting — NRCS Code 512
- Nutrient Management — NRCS Code 590

These practices require an NRCS Environmental Evaluation Worksheet (CPA-52) to be completed before funds can be released to support implementation.

Related FAQs

Changing Consumer Behavior at Market
Opportunity for Farmers Markets in the Region

Through partnerships with Southern Piedmont farmers markets, we will expand markets for climate-smart commodities in the Southeast. We have designed a marketing campaign that investigates the best strategies for educating consumers about the value-added benefits of purchasing climate-smart commodities. The information gained from this work will help farmers get the value of their work and provide the USDA with recommendations on ways to support climate-smart markets through consumer education.

Market Incentives

economic impact growing stronger farmers

Using state-of-the art technologies and modeling, data collected through this project will help farmers envision how resilient farming techniques will improve their profitability in the short term and protect their farm for the future.