Virginia Farmers Can Now Apply for Grants to Practice Regenerative Farming

In an effort to protect healthy soils and boost vitality, the American Farmland Trust has opened up applications for farmers and ranchers in Virginia and across the nation to apply for grants that encourage regenerative agriculture practices.

The two grants are part of a national push to help farmers finance measures to mitigate climate impacts and build more resilient land. The main goal of the American Farmland Trust, which is managing the grants, is to protect farmland from erosion through climate change and farming methods that deplete the land.

“Regenerate Virginia brings together the tools farmers need to build healthier soils, strengthen their operations, and secure the future of agriculture in the Commonwealth,” said Amanda Cather, AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Deputy Director. The organization was started in 2020 to help farmers on a national scale.

The healthy soils grant offers up to $30,000 to help farmers partake in four key soil health measures: planting cover crops to reduce soil erosion; minimizing the use of harmful chemicals or overworking the soil; maximizing living roots; and diversifying crop species while integrating livestock to naturally fertilize the soil.

The farm vitality grant allows up to $25,000 per producer for product and market expansion, business development, and to apply for equipment that can aid in regenerative practices. This will help farmers and ranchers make business decisions to adopt regenerative practices and get equipment to start right away on new methods to help their soil.

Equipment that could qualify for the grant includes no-till seed drills, solar-powered irrigation pumps, roller-crimpers, and several other options.

The funding stems from the Brighter Future Fund, a part of the American Farmland Trust that focuses on conservation of agricultural land and promoting farming practices that help keep the land viable. In July, 38 Virginia farmers and ranchers were awarded $896,600 between the two grants.

Regenerative farming methods are believed to be a major driver in reducing carbon emissions. There is also a growing concern among communities about valuable agricultural land being dismantled in favor of development. Grants such as this aim to help farmers follow regenerative principles that will help them save money in the long run and keep their soil usable for future generations.

Applications are now open until Dec. 19.

by Shannon Heckt, Virginia Mercury

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