Unpacking the $700 Million “Regenerative Agriculture” Pilot Program and What They’re Not Telling You
The USDA just announced a $700 million pilot program for “regenerative agriculture” under the “Make America Healthy Again” banner.[1] Before we celebrate, let’s look at what’s actually being funded.
What’s Missing:
No Standards. The program has no clear definition of what qualifies as “regenerative.” Without standards, this term is meaningless and ripe for exploitation.[2]
No Pesticide Reduction Requirements. Despite RFK Jr.’s talk about “too many chemicals,” the announcement carefully avoided the word “pesticides.”[3] No metrics, no requirements for reducing chemical use. Meanwhile, Bayer is already positioning Roundup as essential to regenerative agriculture, claiming glyphosate is necessary for cover crops.[4]
Corporate Partners Welcome. The program explicitly invites “agricultural retailers” (chemical companies) as partners who can provide matching funds through the “SUSTAINS Act.”[5] This gives corporations profiting from chemical dependency a direct role in defining “regenerative.”
Gutted Oversight. The same administration just cut 2,400 NRCS conservation staff—20% of the workforce.[6] Who will verify practices or provide technical assistance? The new advisory council includes 3 corporate supply-chain representatives alongside 9 farmers—giving industry a seat at the table.[7]
The System Works Against Itself. Many farmers are currently required to use heavy chemicals to qualify for crop insurance. So this “voluntary” program asks farmers to risk their financial protection. Meanwhile, the $20-30 billion Farm Bill actively enforces practices antithetical to regeneration, including heavy chemical use often required for crop insurance.[8]