Proposed farm bill cuts could limit support for regenerative farming
Thousands of U.S. farmers could lose access to important conservation funding under proposed federal farm bill changes currently being debated in Congress.
Republican proposals in both the House and Senate would reduce funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These programs help farmers adopt regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health, water quality, and farm resilience.
Analysts estimate that more than 56,000 eligible farmer applications could go unfunded if the proposed reductions move forward. Several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Colorado, Alabama, and West Virginia, are expected to experience some of the largest impacts from the funding cuts.
EQIP and CSP are among the federal government's largest conservation programs. They provide financial and technical assistance to farmers interested in implementing practices such as cover crops, conservation planning, and riparian buffers. These measures can help reduce erosion, improve water management, and support long-term productivity.
Research has shown that regenerative agriculture can improve farm profitability while strengthening resilience against extreme weather conditions. Studies cited by conservation advocates have found significantly higher profitability for farms adopting regenerative practices, along with positive long-term returns on investment.
Additional funding provided through the Inflation Reduction Act helped increase participation in conservation programs and reduced application backlogs. More farmers were able to receive support and invest in sustainable farming practices.
However, conservation groups warn that recent declines in available funding have already reduced financial support for regenerative agriculture projects. They argue that maintaining or restoring funding would help more farmers improve environmental performance while supporting their long-term economic stability.
Lawmakers have proposed amendments that would restore funding to EQIP and CSP. Supporters say these measures would allow more farmers and ranchers to access conservation assistance and continue investing in practices that benefit both agriculture and the environment.
As Congress continues farm bill discussions, the future of these widely used conservation programs remains an important issue for farmers across the country.