.png)
As Always, the Community Rallies Around Farmers Facing Extreme Challenges
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about our community that is advocating for a better food system is the way it rallies around farmers who are facing extreme challenges. The current crisis — stemming from the new administration's abrupt actions to freeze or terminate contracted federal funding to a wide swath of farmers — is already spurring generous efforts to help.
On Saturday, I learned about the emergency Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF) established by Healing Soils Foundation, a Chicago-based non-profit. The fund offers up to $50,000 each in bridge loan funding to Midwest organic and regenerative farmers who are facing federal reimbursement delays. The loan are to be repaid only when/if a farm receives its federal reimbursement.
Below is the description of the program from the organization's website, followed by a link to apply for a loan.
Emergency Funding
Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF)
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.
Who Is Eligible?
Organic and regenerative farmers in Midwest states 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.
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.
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.
The Healing Soils Foundation is the charitable affiliate of Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT founded by Dr. Stephen Rivard and David Miller to further address the needs and hurdles faced by farmers implementing organic and regenerative principles.
Comments