Our Programs
We recognize that the journey towards organic and regenerative agriculture requires more than just good intentions; it demands robust and innovative support systems for the farmers working with the land. That's why we're implementing a range of programs tailored to empower farmers as they steward the land towards health and vitality.
Our Focus Areas
Land Access
Our land access program supports eligible farmers engaged in conservation practices and classified as socially disadvantaged under the USDA definition with reduced mortgage interest rates. By partnering directly with mortgage lenders, qualified Socially Disadvantaged Farmers can receive up to a 2% interest reduction.
Why This Focus Area: There are significant barriers to accessing financing for socially disadvantaged farmers who represent 4.5% of all farmers in the US in 2017, compared to 13.3% in 1900. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, Indigenous people comprise less than 5% of the world population, but protect 80% of the Earth’s biodiversity in the forests, deserts, grasslands, and marine environments in which they have lived for centuries.
This program was setup to complement and catalyze the impact of Iroquois Valley’s Rooted in Regeneration program and allows Healing Soils to double our impact for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers.
Key Benefits:
Healthy Planet: According to a report by the USDA, minority-operated farms are more likely to be organic-certified compared to farms operated by non-minorities.
Healthy People: BIPOC and indigenous farmers preserve cultural food traditions by growing heritage crops, ensuring that community members have access to culturally significant foods that support health and well-being.
Thriving Communities: Investments in BIPOC and socially disadvantaged farmers have been shown to generate up to 3 times more economic benefits within their local communities compared to non-diverse farms.
Grazing for Healthy Soils
The Grazing for Healthy Soils Initiative is designed to support livestock farmers in adopting regenerative grazing practices that enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and build resilient agricultural ecosystems. By mimicking natural grazing patterns, these practices improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and enhance water retention, leading to more sustainable and productive pastures. Our grants provide financial assistance to help farmers transition to these methods, ensuring the long-term viability of their farms and contributing to the health of our planet.
Why This Focus Area: With 99% of meat consumed in the US coming directly from factory farms, we have to support an alternative! Regenerative grazing is a powerful tool for improving soil health and sequestering carbon, making it a key strategy in our fight against climate change and soil degradation. By supporting livestock farmers in adopting these practices, we can create more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
Key Benefits:
Healthy Planet: Regenerative grazing can sequester up to 3 tons of carbon per hectare per year, mitigating climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Healthy People: Meat and dairy products from regeneratively raised livestock contain up to 50% more omega-3 fatty acids and 30% higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which are beneficial for human health.
Thriving Communities: Rural communities practicing regenerative agriculture report a 50% reduction in farm bankruptcies and a 20% increase in local economic activity due to more sustainable and diversified farming operations.
Healthy Soils, Healthy Grains
The Healthy Soils, Healthy Grains program focuses on promoting sustainable grain production by supporting farmers who implement regenerative and organic practices at scale. These methods, such as cover cropping, minimal tillage, and crop rotation, improve soil fertility, reduce environmental impact, and produce nutrient-dense grains. Our grants help farmers overcome the financial barriers to adopting and maintaining these sustainable practices, ensuring their economic viability and contributing to a healthier environment.
Why This Focus Area: Grain production is a cornerstone of global food systems, and transitioning to regenerative and organic practices can have profound impacts on soil health, food quality, and environmental sustainability. Supporting farmers in this shift is crucial for building a sustainable and resilient agrifood system.
Key Benefits:
Healthy Planet: Farmers growing organic grains can see an increase in profitability by 60% due to higher market prices and reduced input costs.
Healthy People: Regenerative and organic grains can contain up to 30% higher levels of essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Thriving Communities: Communities with a high adoption of organic grain farming see a 25% increase in local economic activity, supporting rural development.
The Paul Bickford Legacy Grant
The Paul Bickford Legacy Grant, under our Healthy Soils, Healthy Grains initiative, supports Midwestern organic and regenerative grain farmers that strengthen the regional foodshed and revitalize our soils.
This grant honors the legacy of Paul Bickford, a beloved friend, mentor, and innovative organic farmer. Paul, who passed away in a farm accident on August 23, 2022, was a pioneer in transitioning from conventional to organic farming practices. His journey began with his father Melvin in Sauk County, before he established the Bickford Diary in Ridgeway in 1978. In 1992, Paul and his family converted their confinement dairy operation to rotational grazing and became strong advocates for this movement. Over the last decade, Paul transitioned to organic grain farming under the name Bickford Organics. Paul was a tireless advocate for organic farming and nurturing the next generation of farmers. He served on Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection's Organic Advisory Council and the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. His contributions were numerous, and his legacy continues to inspire.
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