Mission
We work alongside farmers and in community to cultivate healthy and resilient agriculture through integrated
research, education, and policy.
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Vision
We pursue a farm and food landscape that is equitable, accessible, and regenerative - supporting thriving natural
and human communities.
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Values
We believe a rich mosaic of crops, practices, and people is foundational to resilient agricultural systems. We
value farmer-led and science-based innovation grounded in experience. We facilitate broad collaboration that advances regeneration, equity, and justice.
Our Program Areas
The Institute conducts research trials with Kernza®, diverse cover crops, various food-grade small grains, industrial hemp, and alternative crops such as mung beans, millet and buckwheat.
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Institute staff do market research on these artisan crops through the Fields Best Small Batch Grains retail business. Order some for yourself online HERE or at one of these local farmers markets: Saturday morning Tosa Farmers Market, Tuesday evening The Source Market at LarryVille Gardens, and Thursday afternoon Jackson Park Farmers Market.
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WI Cover Crop Data Network is a researcher-facilitated citizen science project designed to generate data from farmers who grow cover crops. Five years worth of results can be explored via this data map and decision-making tool.
Research
Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC), a collaborative peer learning and networking project that brings together women landowners, farmers, farmworkers, gardeners, and conservation professionals to explore and share conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.​
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Milwaukee Urban Agriculture Network (MUAN) connects Milwaukee-area residents with education, resources, and networks through potlucks, webinars, and field days. MUAN partners with UW Extension and established urban ag organizations across Milwaukee County and through the Upper Midwest to support strong regional networks of growers.
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Education
The Institute's policy work is predicated on the simple belief that people should be empowered to use democratic processes to direct government resources to advance their vision of agriculture.​
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We work at the grassroots and at the Capital to organize with policymakers, non-profit leaders and farmers in support of regenerative practices while addressing socioeconomic barriers.​
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​Led by Chuck Anderas, the Institute's Assistant Policy Director, WGC is a broad partnership that has been working together for years ​to advance managed grazing practices across Wisconsin through state and federal incentive and education programs.
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Policy
BUILD
We're building soil health, soil-focused communities of practice, and broad partnerships with organizations and farmers who share the vision of a just, healthy, and bright agricultural future. We're building regenerative capacity in the Upper Midwest and beyond.
What We Do
PLANT
We're planting literal seeds - trialing alternative crops, growing food grade grains, and testing the efficacy of various cover crops. We're also planting virtual seeds of innovation and inspiration among growers, policy makers, and consumers.
SHARE
We're sharing our research, networks, experience, and knowledge with partners, coalitions, farmers, landowners, agricultural workers, consumers, and communities - both urban and rural - for the good of the entire regenerative ecosystem.