The Regenerative Farmer Network Grant (RFNG) provides 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.
Donor Name: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/27/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The department’s Regenerative Farmer Network Grants offer awards grants for the creation of farmer-led networks committed to:
- Promoting the core principles of regenerative agriculture,
- Testing new ideas and innovations related to regenerative agriculture, and
- Sharing the results of their regenerative agriculture practices and mentoring others.
Priorities
Networks demonstrate consistent and creative approaches to regenerative practices including:
- Projects that highlight the five pillars of regenerative agriculture: integrating livestock, minimizing disturbance, promoting diversity, maintaining living roots and covering soil.
- On-farm education and/or research with a clear plan to share results with the broader farming community.
- A comprehensive outreach plan that promotes the environmental, financial and community benefits of regenerative agriculture.
- Projects that emphasize farmer-to-farmer mentorship and efforts that are led by farmers. Innovative projects that advance regenerative knowledge by layering, adapting, or piloting new practices.
- The formation of a new network in an area with little to no farmer-led regenerative activity.
- Marketing initiatives that develop new markets, enhance branding, and boost consumer awareness of regenerative products.
Funding Information
- Maximum award: $50,000.
- Administrative costs: Up to 25% of the total request (e.g., $12,500 for a $50,000 project).
Eligibility Requirements
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
- Enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with at least one of the following:
- A local conservation district
- Michigan State University Extension
- A nonprofit conservation or agricultural organization
For more information, visit MDARD.
