by Switching to regenerative farming practices can transform your land and boost your profits, but the upfront costs often hold farmers back from making the leap.
Improvements like rotational grazing systems, plant cover crops, or silvopasture additions require an initial investment that can strain an already tight local farm budget.
Here’s the good news: Government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations actively fund farmers who want to adopt sustainable practices like these. But how can you find the right grants for your farm?
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most accessible grant opportunities for regenerative farming, plus practical tips to strengthen your applications and increase your chances of securing the funding your farm needs.
Grants for Regenerative Farming: What Is Regenerative Farming?
Before we explore our list of grants and funding tips, let’s take a closer look at what regenerative farming is and how it can benefit your farm long-term.
Regenerative farming is an approach to farming that rebuilds your land while you farm it. The method focuses on restoring soil health, improving water retention, and creating a more resilient ecosystem on your land.
Related Read: 5 Unsustainable Farming Practices To Avoid
Unlike conventional farming that depletes resources over time, these practices work with natural systems to build organic matter, restore nutrient cycles, and protect water quality. The result? Healthier soil, stronger pastures, and premium-quality products that customers will pay top dollar for.
Regenerative farming centers on five easy-to-implement practices:
- Cover crops: Planting varieties like oats, ryegrass, clover, or radish during off-seasons prevent erosions, adds organic matter, and creates bonus grazing opportunities.
- Rotational grazing: Moving livestock through smaller paddocks breaks parasite cycles, improves grass regrowth, and spreads manure evenly — all while slashing feed costs.
- Reduced tillage: Minimizing disruption and leaving crop residue in place helps maintain the underground ecosystem that feeds your next season's growth.
- Composting: Converting manure, bedding, and organic scraps into nutrient-rich compost reduces expensive off-farm inputs while building soil health naturally.
- Silvopasture: Integrating trees into grazing areas for shade, shelter, and improved pasture health. This method also helps your soil retain moisture during harsh weather.
When farms implement regenerative farming practices like these, they see a 15–25% profit increase, on average, due to reduced input costs, better animal health, and the ability to charge a premium for their products.
Your soil holds more water and nutrients, meaning less irrigation and fertilizer expenses. Healthier pastures support better livestock performance from improved weight gain to better meat quality that customers notice and happily pay extra for.
With this information in mind, let’s dive into our list of the top grants to explore for your farm.
Top Federal Grants for Regenerative Farming
The first type of grant you can explore is a federal grant. These programs tend to offer higher dollar amounts than the other types of grants we’ll discuss in this post. They’re also more competitive and have stricter application requirements.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
What it is: EQIP is the gold standard for conservation funding. It helps farmers implement practices that improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Funding amounts: You can secure up to 75% of your project costs covered (90% if you're a historically underserved producer).
Perfect fit for farms that want to:
- Install rotational grazing systems with portable fencing and water infrastructure.
- Establish cover crop programs across multiple fields.
- Transition to no-till farming methods.
- Build composting facilities and nutrient management systems.
- Add hoop houses for season extension.
Application timeline: Applications typically open in late summer with deadlines in early winter.
Related Read: How To Increase Farm Sales: 4 Tips and Tools
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
What it is: REAP funds renewable energy and efficiency projects that reduce operating costs and support regenerative agriculture.
Funding amounts:
- Up to $500,000 for energy efficiency projects
- Up to $1 million for renewable energy installations
- 25% grant coverage (can be combined with guaranteed loans for even bigger projects)
Perfect fit for farms that want to:
- Install solar panel systems to power irrigation and processing equipment.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient refrigeration for meat processing and storage.
- Add LED lighting systems for season extension growing.
- Install efficient grain drying and storage systems.
- Power electric fencing systems for rotational grazing.
Application timeline: Year-round applications are reviewed in fall and spring.
Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
What it is: VAPG is a farming grant specifically designed for farmers who want to process, market, and sell their products directly to consumers.
Related Read: Farm to Fork E-Commerce 101: The What, Why, and How
Funding amounts:
- Planning grants: Up to $75,000 to develop your direct-sales strategy
- Working capital grants: Up to $250,000 to fund processing equipment and marketing
Perfect fit for farms that want to:
- Start on-farm meat processing operations.
- Build commercial kitchens for value-added products.
- Develop online sales platforms and direct marketing strategies.
- Create agritourism experiences around regenerative practices.
- Launch CSA programs or subscription meat boxes.
Application timeline: Applications typically open in late fall with deadlines in early spring.
State and Regional Grant Opportunities
You might also apply for state and regional grants. These options are often easier to access than federal programs and have less competition. Here are a few state and regional grant opportunities you to explore.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants
What it is: SARE operates through four regional programs that understand your local growing conditions, climate challenges, and market opportunities.
Funding amounts:
- Individual Farmer/Rancher grants: Up to $25,000
- Collaborative projects: Up to $29,000 (when working with other producers or organizations)
Perfect fit for farms that want to:
- Test innovative cover crop mixes for your specific region.
- Develop rotational grazing systems tailored to local forage varieties.
- Research farm marketing strategies for regenerative products.
- Create educational programs that showcase your sustainable practices.
- Pilot composting systems using regional organic waste streams.
Application timeline: SARE includes a variety of grants with different deadlines and application windows.
State Department of Agriculture Grants
What it is: Every state offers unique grant programs designed to support local agriculture, and many specifically target sustainable and regenerative practices. These programs are often more accessible than federal options because they're designed for your state's agricultural priorities.
Related Read: Selling Local Sustainable Food From Your Farm: 7 Tips & Tools
Some examples of state-specific programs:
California's Healthy Soils Program provides up to $75,000 per farm for cover cropping, composting, and no-till practices. Beginning farmers get priority consideration and technical assistance throughout the application process.
Iowa's Water Quality Initiative offers cost-share funding for cover crops, buffer strips, and nutrient management.
Vermont's Farm Viability Program provides grants and loans up to $50,000 for sustainable agriculture improvements, with special emphasis on direct marketing and value-added production.
Texas' Soil and Water Conservation Districts offer local grants for rotational grazing infrastructure, often with 75% cost-share rates and streamlined applications.
To find state-specific grants in your area, start with your state's Department of Agriculture website. Your local Extension office and NRCS field staff are also excellent resources, and they often know about programs before they're widely advertised.
Don't forget to check your state's environmental agencies, energy departments, and economic development offices. Many states fund agricultural projects through multiple agencies.
Private and Foundation Grants for Regenerative Farming
Finally, consider seeking a regenerative farming grant from a private fund or foundation. These funds tend to be smaller, but can be great networking opportunities in addition to funding options.
The FruitGuys Community Fund
What it is: The FruitGuys Community Fund backs farms committed to environmental stewardship and community impact with localized farming. This program recognizes that sustainability comes in many forms and supports diverse farming operations across the country.
Funding amount: Up to $5,000 for sustainability projects
Perfect fit for farms that want to:
- Implement water conservation systems for efficient irrigation.
- Install renewable energy solutions like solar-powered equipment.
- Develop composting programs that reduce waste.
- Create educational programs showcasing sustainable practices.
- Build infrastructure supporting farm diversity and inclusion.
Application timing: Applications typically open in November.
Fund-a-Farmer Grants (Food Animal Concerns Trust)
What it is: This specialized program supports farmers implementing high-welfare animal practices that align well with regenerative farming principles.
Funding focus: Grants specifically for infrastructure support pasture-based livestock systems. The dollar amount of each grant will vary depending on funding capabilities and what the applicant requests.
Perfect fit for farms wanting to:
- Install portable fencing systems for rotational grazing.
- Build gravity-fed watering systems that reduce labor and energy costs.
- Construct three-sided shelters and shade structures for pasture-based animals.
- Develop handling facilities that reduce animal stress.
- Create predator-deterrent systems for pastured livestock.
Application window: Apply from October to December.
Related Read: The Farm-to-Fork Concept: How To Boost Sustainability and Profits
Young Farmer Grant Program
What it is: This partnership between the National Young Farmers Coalition and Chipotle is specifically designed to support the next generation of sustainable farmers.
Funding amount: $5,000 grants that can be used for costs outside of regenerative farming projects
Perfect fit for farmers aged 18–40 who want to:
- Purchase equipment for sustainable farming practices.
- Invest in direct marketing infrastructure and technology.
- Develop value-added products from regeneratively raised ingredients.
- Build customer relationships through agritourism and education.
- Expand sustainable production capacity.
Application timeline: Applications close in October.
Regenerative Agriculture Foundation
What it is: This foundation takes a unique approach by focusing specifically on BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving organizations working in regenerative agriculture. They focus on funding organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
Funding amount: Varies
Perfect fit for:
- Nonprofit organizations supporting BIPOC farmers in regenerative practices.
- Agricultural cooperatives focused on sustainable farming.
- Educational organizations teaching regenerative methods.
- Community groups developing food sovereignty through sustainable agriculture.
Application timeline: This foundation operates by invitation rather than open applications, emphasizing relationship-building and community engagement over traditional grant applications.
Getting connected: Attend regenerative agriculture conferences, join BIPOC farming networks, and engage with organizations already funded by the foundation to build relationships that may lead to a later invite.
How To Apply for Regenerative Farming Grants
Applying for a grant for regenerative farming can feel overwhelming. If you want to apply, you need to take a few key steps. Let’s explore them.
Step 1: Identify Relevant Grants
You’re already taking a great first step by reading this post! Use our list as a jumping-off point, but be aware that there are hundreds of other grants available for farmers. You can find other opportunities through grants.gov or your state’s Department of Agriculture website.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Once you’ve identified the grants you want to apply for, you need to ensure you’re eligible. Know your farmer status since beginning farmers (farming less than 10 years) get priority consideration and higher funding percentages in most programs. Your farm's location, size, and production type all matter for eligibility.
Step 3: Prepare Your Proposal
Next, it’s time to prep your grant proposal. Start with objectives that explain exactly what you're doing, why it matters, and how you'll measure success.
Focus on tangible environmental impacts like soil improvements and water quality benefits, but don’t stop there — grant reviewers often respond to passion and storytelling in applications. Connect your personal farming journey with broader regenerative agriculture goals, bringing it all together in a persuasive and passionate story that makes a case for your farm.
Start your application six to eight weeks before the deadline to allow time for research, writing, and review.
Step 4: Gather Required Documentation
Next, it’s time for the tedious part: reports and documentation. Prepare three years of tax returns, current financial statements, cash flow projections, and bank statements proving matching fund availability. A point of sale (POS) system like GrazeCart can help you here, giving you advanced reporting that lets you pull real data from your farm sales and profits quickly and easily.
You also want to include conservation plans, soil health assessments, sustainability certifications, and letters of support from Extension agents, conservation staff, or customers who value your practices.
Step 5: Follow Application Guidelines
Submit applications at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute technical problems. Be sure to follow the formatting guidelines to a T, checking for nit-picky issues like wrong fonts, exceeding page limits, missing sections, incorrect file formats, or incomplete budgets. Read instructions twice: The last thing you want is to miss out on a massive financial opportunity because you used the wrong file format.
Once you’ve followed these five steps, you’re ready to submit your grant for regenerative farming with confidence.
Beyond Grants for Regenerative Farming: Managing Your Regenerative Farm Business
In this guide, we’ve covered nine funding opportunities for regenerative farming. These grants can help you get the cash you need to cover the upfront costs of implementing the regenerative farming practices, so you can help the environment and your bottom line at the same time.
Now, it’s time to ask: What’s next?
Once you’ve secured funding and implemented your regenerative farming practices, how can you manage your farm business effectively?
Your regenerative practices result in better-quality products that command better prices — but only if you’re able to showcase those benefits properly. If you want to maximize your profits and run a successful farm, you need the right tools and technology.
Generic retail software can't handle the complexities of variable-weight products, seasonal harvests, and the need to communicate your farm’s story at every customer touchpoint. You need integrated business management tools that understand farm-to-fork operations and help you capture the full value of your sustainable farming methods.
Check out our Buyers’ Guide to Farm E-Commerce Platforms today to discover how the right technology can help you get the most of your grant funding and grow a farm business that’s sustainable for the environment and your bottom line.
