Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Regenerative Agriculture

Example of regenerative agriculture showing a field and greenhouse

Regenerative Agriculture Questionnaire for RI Farms

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is seeking to better understand awareness and use of regenerative agriculture practices in our state. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete; it lists regenerative agriculture practices and asks you to indicate if you use them. The results will help inform the state’s programs and resources.

Take Survey

Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. 

Primary Practices

  • Conservation Crop Rotation
  • Contour Farming
  • Contour Orchard and Other Perennial Crop
  • Cover Crop
  • Drainage Water Management
  • Forage Harvest Management
  • Forest Stand Improvement
  • Irrigation Water Management
  • Mulching
  • Nutrient Management
  • Pest Management Conservation System
  • Grazing Management
  • Residue and Tillage Management, No Till
  • Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced
  • Stripcropping

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Contacts

The NRCS Regenerative Pilot program offers funding to help establish new and support established regenerative agriculture methods on owned and leased farmland. To find out more about these funding opportunities, contact the district offices below. 

Northern RI | NRCS Field Office Serving Providence County
Eastern RI | NRCS Field Office Serving Bristol and Newport counties 
Southern RI | NRCS Field Office Serving Kent and Washington counties 

Below are NRCS videos showing regenerative program practices. View more information and resources at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/regenerative-pilot-program 

Conservation Crop Rotation
Cover Crop
Forest Stand Improvement
Irrigation Water Management
Mulching
Nutrient Management
Pest Management Conservation System
Grazing Management
Residue and Tillage Management, No Till

RI Example of Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Farmer from West Bay Community Action stands in agricultural field with greenhouse behind him

West Bay Community Action farmer Steve Stycos has been farming Barton Farm in Warwick for the past 17 years. West Bay Community Action is a charitable organization dedicated to helping Kent County residents with food assistance, utilities, health, safety, and education services. For more than 20 years, West Bay has leased over four acres of land from the City of Warwick, where they now grow more than 20,000 pounds of fresh vegetables each year. 

Steve has long embraced regenerative farming practices such as crop rotation, integrated pest management, and nutrient management. While “regenerative agriculture” may be a popular term today, these time-tested methods have been used successfully for generations. In his greenhouse, Steve rotates crops by growing tomatoes for two years, followed by cucumbers for one year. This approach improves soil health, reduces weeds, and minimizes pests and diseases naturally. 

He also uses integrated pest management techniques to eliminate the need for pesticides. One effective method is covering crops with floating row covers—lightweight, breathable fabric that shields plants from pests, frost, and wind while still allowing sunlight and water through. Once flowers begin to bloom, the covers are removed so pollinators can do their important work. 

To keep his soil healthy and productive, Steve regularly tests it through the University of Connecticut and carefully applies only needed nutrients. He uses organic fertilizers on all of his crops. 

Over the years, Steve has received valuable support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which helped fund two greenhouses and fencing around his largest field. He also received a Warwick Rotary International grant for new farm equipment and a Community Development Block Grant to support construction of a barn. 

The West Bay Farmers Market takes place each summer on Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Barton Farm. It is a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting an important local mission. 

After 17 years of dedicated service, Steve will be retiring soon. This spring, he will train his successor in the many successful farming practices he has developed over the years, including regenerative agriculture. In retirement, we are sure he will find other ways to serve his community. 

Let’s work together to make Rhode Island a regenerative farming State.  It is good for the farmers and the consumer!