This project is made possible by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is developing a modified Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) model to identify regions where implementation of regenerative practices will be more effective at improving soil health and water quality, based on land use, soil type, and terrain. Incorporated into the SWAT+ tool will be field research on soil nutrient dynamics and plant uptake that will inform estimates of regional benefits of select regenerative practices. Social research will identify factors driving conservation management decisions at a regional scale using spatio-temporal analysis, regression modeling of survey data, and qualitative analyses of farmer interviews.

As an expert in pasture-based livestock operations and on-farm feed production, The University of Vermont (UVM) will provide Technical Assistance on nutrient, grazing, and soil health management to farmers in VT and the project area. UVM will collaborate on UConn’s social research to develop farmer surveys, drawing on UVM’s experience conducting participatory research with New England farmers on climate change and ecosystem services.

The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) represents the thirteen conservation districts of the Commonwealth, stretching from the tip of Cape Cod in the east to the purple mountains of the Berkshires in the west. As a project partner, MACD will leverage its connections to livestock producers of Western MA and help streamline Technical and Financial Assistance through its ongoing relationships with NRCS, AFT and farmers.

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. As a science-based organization, Xerces both conducts their own research and relies upon the most up-to-date information to guide their conservation work. Xerces’ key program areas are: pollinator conservation, endangered species conservation, and reducing pesticide use and impacts. Xerces brings to the project its foundational knowledge of pollinators and agricultural conservation. With the focus on livestock operations, including field edges and pastures, Xerces will ensure expert Technical Assistance to farmers on improving pollinator habitat. Xerces’ existing regional involvement with NRCS assures the provision of seamless Technical Assistance.

Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs brand, Consider Pastures, will work with Technical Assistance providers to identify, design, and showcase exemplary conservation practices that align regenerative agriculture, pollinator habitat and humane certified egg production. Practices will be implemented with Consider Pastures funding.

As the voice of local dairy farmers, non-profit New England Dairy Promotion Board (NEDPB) will be an outreach and communications partner, sharing messages on the benefits of this RCPP, regenerative agriculture, connections to clean air and water, and healthy food and communities. Audiences include dairy farmers, consumers, local communities, policy leaders and conservation groups. Communication channels will include traditional and social media, farm tours, and public speaking events by dairy farmer spokespersons. While NEDPB’s will focus on dairy farmers, the messaging and match commitment will ensure associated messaging that incorporates other types of livestock.