The I-Regen project focuses on regenerative agriculture – a holistic approach to food and farming systems that emphasizes conservation, soil restoration, and biodiversity. Through ecologically sound management practices such as no-till planting, cover cropping, and limited pesticide use, regenerative ag can revitalize topsoil, improve biodiversity, make farms more resilient to drought and floods, and produce healthier foods.
I-Regen fits into the iSEE research theme of Secure and Sustainable Agriculture. Originally called the Illinois Regenerative Agriculture Initiative and sponsored in 2020 by Fresh Taste, the Initiative was renewed and renamed in 2023 with funding by the Midwest Regenerative Agriculture Fund (MRAF). I-Regen is a partnership between the Department of Crop Sciences, the College of ACES, U. of I. Extension, and iSEE.
The Mission
During the first three years of this project, originally called IRAI (Illinois Regenerative Agriculture Initiative), we filled the tent with many voices that have helped inform and navigate the regenerative agriculture space. Going forward, we will use that foundational knowledge to reduce fragmentation and further integrate a shared vision of regenerative agriculture regionally in the I-States through our next chapter: I-Regen. Our focus to bring health and wealth to Midwest agricultural systems will be fostered through many of the partnerships we have built in these past years. Through these collaborations and the U. of I. Extension, we hope to usher in the next phase of regenerative ag implementation.
Through the success of our seed grants, community support and connections, public convenings, and projects such as Voices and the Coalition of Regenerative Agriculture, Food and Health (CRAFH), we are strategically positioned to build regenerative agriculture partnerships with our I-State neighbors through I-Regen. With our partners, we will offer a regional approach to research, education and outreach aimed to help encourage the diversified value chains needed to balance health and wealth in Midwest agricultural systems. This work will create a bioeconomy that’s resilient to climate change, improves soil and water quality, supports healthy communities, and ensures food security.