Supporting Regenerative Practices
The network offers a microgrant program to help member farms implement new, approved regenerative practices (contingent upon available funding).
Grant-supported projects currently require a minimum 30% match from the participating farm. Depending on the applicable grant requirements, eligible match may include cash contributions or documented in-kind contributions such as farmer labor.
Types of Practices
Regenerative practices are approaches intended to improve soil health, support biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and strengthen the long-term resilience of farms.
Potentially eligible practices may include:
Cover crops and expanded crop rotations
Reduced-tillage or no-till practices
Compost and approved soil-health amendments
Perennial plantings
Hedgerows, windbreaks, and native plantings
Pollinator and beneficial-insect habitat
Erosion-control and water-management practices
Rotational grazing and improved pasture management
Crop diversification and integrated farming systems
Other regenerative practices approved under the applicable grant
Eligibility depends on the requirements of the current grant, and every proposed practice must be approved before expenses are incurred or implementation begins.
Funding Availability
The microgrant program is contingent upon external funding. Network membership does not guarantee that grant funds will be available or that a proposed project will be approved for reimbursement.
The West Michigan Small Scale Regenerative Farming Network’s current microgrant program is supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.