WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' commitment to launch a $700 million regenerative agriculture initiative, building on proven, voluntary agricultural conservation and soil health programs, is a welcome down payment for farmers working to support wildlife conservation, soil health, and public health.

“When we invest in farmer-led conservation, it delivers immense dividends for people, wildlife, and water. Investing in technical assistance and helping farmers and ranchers develop and put in place whole farm conservation plans that will implement regenerative conservation practices like diverse crop rotations, planting cover crops, and rotational grazing will help conserve water, land and wildlife while improving producers’ bottom lines,” said Aviva Glaser, senior director of agriculture policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “Thank you to Secretary Rollins, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz, and we look forward to building on this down payment on soil health, habitat restoration, and regenerative agriculture.”