TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced it awarded portions of $296,299 to conservation districts statewide to expand education and outreach events promoting regenerative agriculture practices and farmer-to-farmer networks.
Among the conservation districts receiving grants were the Grand Traverse Conservation District which received $15,000, the Alger Conservation District and the Delta Conservation District which received $14,953 and the Charlevoix Conservation District, which received $12,500.
MDARD Director Tim Boring said regenerative agriculture helps farmers and landowners remain profitable while restoring soil health and safeguarding natural resources.
“Regenerative agriculture enables farmers and landowners to remain profitable while restoring soil health and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations,” Boring said. “These grants will empower Conservation Districts to provide hands-on demonstrations and education that help farmers and landowners implement regenerative practices in ways that benefit their soil and their bottom line.”
The grants are intended to accelerate adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in Michigan by showcasing successful regenerative management practices, increasing awareness of challenges and opportunities, highlighting farmer-led innovation and supporting farm-to-farm networking.
Adam Brown of the Grand Traverse Conservation District said the funding will support excellent, in-depth education for farmers.
“This funding allows us to offer expert-led education on regenerative practices tailored to perennial farms, from cherries and apples to wine grapes,” Brown said. “By improving soil health, reducing input costs and enhancing biodiversity in orchard and vineyard systems, we’re helping growers protect their investment and steward this landscape for the long term.”
Brown said the work is aimed at improving soil health, reducing input costs and enhancing biodiversity in orchard and vineyard systems.
MDARD said its Regenerative Agriculture Program is embedded within a state agriculture agency and is committed to advancing a regenerative approach that fosters prosperity, enhances farm ecosystems, improves community health and supports resilient agricultural systems throughout the Great Lakes region.
MDARD said that since the program was established in 2024, it has launched a free soil health assessment initiative, introduced a Regenerative Farmer Network Grant, established a demonstration farm to train veterans and organized regenerative agriculture trainings throughout the state.