Grant program promotes regenerative agriculture research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and Danone North America have launched a grant opportunity to support research promoting regenerative agriculture practices. The initiative, titled Understanding Impacts of Hub Farm Resources in Expanding Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture Practices, offers up to $450,000 over one to two awards. Applications are due by Feb. 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST.

Regenerative agriculture practices, such as cover cropping, aim to improve biodiversity, soil, and water health while sustaining agroecosystems. The funding will focus on socio-economic research exploring how hub farms—cooperative locations sharing resources and best practices—can encourage farmers to adopt these methods. The program targets both large and small dairy farms, with particular attention to underserved producers, including Amish and Mennonite communities.

“Promoting regenerative agriculture practices and sustainable food systems require community support and buy-in to be successful,” said LaKisha Odom, FFAR scientific program director for Agroecosystems.

The research seeks to guide middle adopters toward increasing cover crop acreage and scaling regenerative practices through resource sharing. Matching funds are optional but encouraged.

For additional details, visit the FFAR website.