Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF)

About

In response to current federal funding uncertainty, Healing Soils Foundation (HSF) is launching the Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF) to provide critical financial relief to organic and regenerative farmers facing delays in public funding. With federal reimbursement programs frozen or slowed, farmers who depend on these funds for conservation, soil health, and infrastructure improvements are now at serious financial risk.

In early 2025, the Trump administration froze key federal agricultural grants and loans, delaying much-needed funding for farmers. While some funds have since been released, many farmers remain in limbo, forced into uncertainty for critical projects with no clear timeline for repayment. These delays threaten their ability to plant, harvest, and invest in sustainable infrastructure—jeopardizing both their livelihoods and the future of regenerative agriculture in the Midwest.

HSF created RFAF as a bridge funding solution to help farmers stay afloat. This fund provides recoupable emergency grants that allow farmers to keep moving forward while waiting for delayed public reimbursements. If their reimbursement arrives, they repay the grant, keeping the fund sustainable and available for others. If no reimbursement comes, the grant converts to non-recoupable aid, ensuring farmers don’t bear additional financial burdens.

By offering this crucial safety net, HSF is stabilizing the regenerative farming movement, protecting soil health initiatives, and ensuring Midwest farmers can continue their vital work without interruption.

How RFAF Works:

  • Farmers facing reimbursement delays can apply for an emergency grant to cover expenses.

  • If reimbursement arrives, the farmer repays the grant, allowing HSF to redeploy funds.

  • If no reimbursement materializes, the grant becomes non-recoupable, ensuring farmers aren’t left financially vulnerable.

  • Funds are limited, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded based on financial need, urgency, and environmental and community impact.

Impact & Sustainability

  • Keeps farmers financially secure while waiting for government reimbursements.

  • Ensures regenerative agriculture projects stay on track despite funding delays.

  • Creates a revolving fund to support more farmers as reimbursements are repaid.

Grant Details

  • Up to $50,000 per farmer, for larger infrastructure grants, farmers are encouraged to reapply as additional funds are needed.

  • Rolling applications – funds are distributed as available.

  • Farmers reimburse the fund if and when their delayed public funding is received.

Who is Eligible?

  • Organic and regenerative farmers in Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) experiencing public funding delays.

  • Farmers who have executed contracts for programs like EQIP, CSP, and RFSI but have not received expected reimbursements.

  • Farmers with immediate financial needs due to these delays.