The New England Agroforester - Spring Equinox 2026

NRCS funds practices in each New England state, and a consistent funding source for practices is EQIP. A new program launched in December 2025 is the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), described as “a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land.” According to the NRCS website, this program will invest $700 million for regenerative agriculture, including:

• $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); and
• $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Based on the related NRCS agroforestry standards, the RPP initiative supports a whole-farm approach. Creative applications of the program for agroforestry are abundant and might include:

1. Under the Regenerative Pilot Program, silvopasture (combining  timber, livestock, and forage production on the same acreage) can be implemented by bundling practices. A producer might use Prescribed Grazing (528) as a primary practice while adding Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) to create shade and shelter for livestock. Benefits could include trees that reduce heat stress on animals and provide additional fodder from leaves or nuts, while the livestock help manage understory growth.
2. A farmer could implement Conservation Crop Rotation (328) within alleys, supported by the pilot program’s emphasis on soil health and long-term productivity. The agricultural crops provide annual income while long-term tree crops (such as walnut or pecan) mature. Such a project could also significantly reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.
3. Riparian forest buffers are areas of trees, shrubs, and grasses planted along streams or wetlands to protect water resources. Producers can use Riparian Forest Buffer (391) to address water quality resource concerns, a key requirement of the whole-farm assessment in the pilot program. These buffers filter farm runoff, stabilize banks to prevent erosion, and can be managed to include fruit or nut-bearing species for additional harvestable crops.
4. Windbreaks and shelterbelts are strategic linear plantings of trees and shrubs designed to protect crops, livestock, and soil from wind. A producer might bundle Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) with Mulching (484) to protect topsoil and improve moisture retention. Research shows that windbreaks can increase soybean yields by 15% and corn yields by 12% by reducing plant stress and soil loss.

Farmers interested in these applications can apply through their local NRCS Service Center using the new single regenerative application process. A Local Service Center locator is provided on the RPP website. Applications are reviewed by batches, with rolling deadlines. It is recommended that applicants start the planning process early, to build a relationship and develop ideas with a planner before the batching dates approach. Despite delays due to personnel changes, NRCS is one of the only enduring federal funding sources, so farmers are encouraged to be patient and persistent. 

Value Added Producer Grants  

Value Added Producer (VAP) grants help producers generate new products, create or expand market opportunities, and increase producer income. These grants support either planning activities (e.g., feasibility studies, business and marketing plans) up to $50,000, or working capital needs (e.g., processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries) up to $200,000. VAP grants require a one-to-one match (100% of the grant amount), which may include cash or eligible in-kind contributions. Application deadline: April 15, 2026. More info here. 

Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program 

The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program (CAGP) is a rapid-resource initiative designed to help landowners and managers establish or expand agroforestry practices across the U.S. through a reimbursement-based funding model. Funds cover site preparation, planting stock, equipment rentals, and contractor fees, though cannot be used for livestock or large machinery. 

Once a project is selected, participants receive expert consultations and site visits from regional partners like Virginia Tech and Appalachian Sustainable Development to ensure successful implementation. Awardees also gain access to the Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange (ARKx), a network built to foster shared learning and peer-to-peer mentorship among producers.

2027 CAGP applications will be added to the website in the summer. Applicants should utilize the FAQs and Time and Budget Worksheet to strengthen their proposals. The network always welcomes more farmers and agroforestry organizations to complete a profile. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the CAGP.

Disaster Recovery Support for New England Farmers 

Following last year's drought, USDA has designated several New England counties as Natural Disaster Areas for Drought & Heat, allowing the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to recovering producers. Emergency loans can be used to replace equipment or livestock, reorganize a farming operation, or refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. 

Primary counties eligible in Vermont are Bennington, Grand Isle, and Windham. Contiguous counties also eligible include Chittenden, Franklin, Rutland, Windsor (Vermont), Berkshire, Franklin (Massachusetts), Cheshire, Sullivan (New Hampshire), Rensselaer, Washington (New York). 

Resources on Farmers.gov include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance Programs At-a-Glance sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool. Local USDA Service Centers are available to file a Notice of Loss or answer questions about loan options. Applications for disaster recovery funding are due September 9, 2026.

Small Grants Program for Soil Carbon Research