USDA Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) Funding Overview

Program Overview

The USDA Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) is a farmer-first, outcomes-based conservation initiative led by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The program is designed to support regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health, water management, and long-term agricultural resilience.

RPP emphasizes whole-farm conservation planning and integrates multiple regenerative practices into a single, streamlined application process. By recognizing measurable outcomes and closing program loopholes, NRCS aims to deliver lasting benefits for producers, natural resources, and the broader food system.

The program also supports broader national priorities by encouraging access to American-grown whole foods and reinforcing the role of U.S. agriculture in addressing long-term environmental and public health challenges.

How the Regenerative Pilot Program Works

Under RPP, farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative agriculture may apply through their local NRCS Service Center using a new single regenerative application.

Applications submitted under RPP may be evaluated and funded through either the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), depending on project scope and eligibility.

The program focuses on bundled conservation practices and outcome-based evaluation rather than isolated practice adoption, enabling a more integrated approach to farm and ranch management.

Cost Sharing Requirements

No cost-sharing is required under the USDA Regenerative Pilot Program. Financial and technical assistance is provided directly through NRCS conservation programs.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include farmers and ranchers managing agricultural or forest production land, including:

• Cropland
• Rangeland
• Grassland
• Pasture
• Forest production land

Application Timing and Funding Rounds

Applications are accepted on a continuous sign-up basis. NRCS is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure equitable access to funding and technical support.

The first funding round deadline is January 15, 2026. Additional batching periods and deadlines will be announced by NRCS in the future.

For official eligibility criteria, conservation practice details, and application instructions, refer to the NRCS program page:

USDA Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP)
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How LEC Partners Supports Regenerative Agriculture Funding

LEC Partners helps producers, developers, and project sponsors evaluate how regenerative agriculture programs align with broader project objectives, funding strategies, and implementation constraints.

• Assess alignment with NRCS conservation and outcomes-based program criteria
• Support technical and market feasibility for regenerative practices
• Evaluate implementation risks and operational readiness
• Coordinate feasibility and due diligence inputs for funding and financing strategies

Our work is grounded in independent analysis and real-world experience across agriculture, bioeconomy, and resource-based projects.

Questions We Commonly Address

How does RPP differ from traditional EQIP or CSP applications?
RPP integrates multiple regenerative practices into a single application and emphasizes measurable outcomes rather than individual practices evaluated in isolation.

Can regenerative practices support broader bioeconomy or feedstock strategies?
In some cases, regenerative practices can improve feedstock sustainability, soil productivity, and long-term supply reliability, supporting downstream bioeconomy objectives.

When should feasibility or technical review be conducted?
Early evaluation helps producers and project sponsors understand implementation risks, operational impacts, and alignment with long-term funding and financing goals.

Further Reading