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Regenerative Agriculture

Cover crops
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Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is an active approach to land management driven by improving soil health. Rather than a rigid set of rules, it embraces a blend of sustainable farming methods tailored to each farmer's needs.

Core principles include:

  • Understanding the context of your farm operation
  • Minimizing soil disturbance
  • Maximizing diversity
  • Keeping soil covered
  • Maintaining living roots year-round
  • Integrating livestock and increasing biodiversity

By adopting regenerative agricultural practices, farmers and landowners can be profitable while restoring healthy soils and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations. 

Infographic of regenerative agricultures practices to improve soil health

MDARD’s commitment to regenerative agriculture

Aligned with the Governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, MDARD's Fiscal Year 24 budget provided $6 million to bolster soil health and regenerative agriculture initiatives. This funding supports practices like soil cover maintenance, crop diversity, and livestock integration to mitigate climate impacts.

Additionally, $7 million is allocated to promote climate-smart agricultural methods and innovative technologies, enhancing soil and plant health, carbon sequestration, water efficiency, and conservation efforts through research grants to Michigan State University.

Learn more about how MDARD and our partners and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in Michigan:

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New! MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Strategic Plan

Additional resources