HHS, USDA, and EPA Deploy $1 Billion for MAHA Farm Modernization
April 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Claire Cummings
Three federal agencies have unveiled a combined $1 billion-plus investment in farm modernization and food supply security, anchored by the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again agenda. The Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, and EPA announced the initiative with funding flowing through existing grant programs that farmers and agricultural organizations can access now.
$840 Million Through USDA Conservation Programs
The USDA is directing the largest share across three programs during the 2026 marketing year:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): $400 million for regenerative agriculture projects and conservation practices
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): $300 million for producers maintaining and improving existing conservation systems
- Strengthening Agricultural Systems Program: $140 million supporting new agricultural product markets, pest and disease solutions, and approaches to diet-related chronic diseases
These are existing USDA programs with established application processes through local NRCS offices. Producers with conservation plans already in place are well-positioned to compete.
$200 Million in EPA and HHS Research Funding
The EPA and HHS are contributing $200 million for research initiatives. The EPA has allocated $30 million specifically for a grand-prize challenge focused on developing cost-effective alternatives to pre-harvest desiccation pesticides — an opportunity open to both researchers and agricultural technology companies.
The initiative's three-pillar strategy focuses on understanding chemical health risks, investing in regenerative agriculture education, and reducing regulatory barriers to private-sector farming innovation.
Apply Now While Funding Remains Available
The timing creates an unusual dynamic. Even as $1 billion flows through USDA conservation and innovation programs, the administration's own FY2027 budget proposal would cut USDA discretionary funding by $4.9 billion and eliminate several programs that serve the same farming communities. Grant seekers should apply to current programs while funding remains available — particularly EQIP and CSP, which have the largest allocations.
Conservation program applications are accepted through local NRCS offices. Agricultural grant seekers can compare federal and foundation opportunities at grantedai.com. For analysis of how the MAHA initiative intersects with FY2027 budget proposals, visit the Granted blog.