A connection exists between regenerative agricultural practices like cover crops and no-till farming, improving soil nutrients and water quality, and the production of more nutrient-dense foods to improve our nation’s health. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., believes so.
“They provided us models for how to do this and how to do it in a way that vertically integrates, that preserves profit margins and dramatically reduces input.”
HHS research is underway in that regard. It coincides with the recent Agriculture Department announcement of a new regenerative agriculture pilot program.
“In order to continue to be the most productive and most efficient growers in the world, we must protect our topsoil from unnecessary erosion and boost the microbiome of the soil,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says. The $700 million Farmer First pilot program is designed to be a streamlined, outcome-based approach to encourage producers who wish to transition to regenerative agriculture to do so.
“Whole farm planning is the centerpiece, ensuring that all resource concerns such as soil, water, and natural vitality are addressed together, not one piece at a time. Producers will benefit from a single application, reducing red tape and making conservation easier to access and our programs more impactful.”
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will oversee the regenerative agriculture pilot program, which will utilize existing NRCS offerings, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program.
“Each producer’s results will be measured and credited back to the farmer through an outcomes report, recognizing and rewarding improvements they achieve on their own land.”
Yet, a key piece is not only the pilot program but federal government efforts to boost consumer education about soil and water quality, as well as better nutrition and health, as explained by the Secretary.
“Using the Sustains Act, we will bring corporate label and supply chain partners directly into partnership with NRCS, supporting regenerative agriculture adoption, farmer recognition, and consumer education. Success depends on strong partnerships. We will expand work through our technical service providers and local organizations to meet demand.”
Also, the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production under NRCS purview “will extend regenerative priorities into cities and urban areas and urban communities, and many of those places are facing the most severe crisis regarding nutritious foods and access to nutritious foods.”