Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program

The Center of Excellence for Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) is a program of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska that helps farmers and ranchers transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture. CERNA was awarded a $5 million grant from the USDA over a five-year period to support this work, with a focus on Native American producers. Through education, training, and technical assistance, CERNA provides participants with the skills to apply regenerative practices and access to new premium markets.

Complimentary benefits for enrolled participants include: a multi-day intensive course on regenerative agriculture techniques, soil health, ecology, and on-farm practice implementation (offered for two cohorts per year); incentives for implementing regenerative practices; Haney soil testing and other soil health analytics; assistance reducing costly chemical inputs; a customized farm management plan; peer-to-peer networking opportunities; ongoing technical assistance; and access to premium markets and contracts for enrolled crop commodities, including corn, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat, barley, sorghum, oats, hemp, and livestock.

As part of the program, CERNA will provide financial support to farmers who adopt regenerative agriculture practices. This support may include:

• Direct payments for implementing climate-smart / regenerative agricultural practices

• Technical assistance and ongoing farm management support

• Educational workshops, and

• Regenerative certifications by Regenified for certified and eligible farms and commodities.

Use the form below to apply today.

CERNA Producer Eligibility Self-Assessment

Center of Excellence for Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA)

3345 B Thrasher Rd. White Cloud, KS 66094

Instructions: Please fill out the form below. When you are finished, press submit and our Enrollment Coordinator will review your information and reach out to guide you through the next steps of the enrollment process.

Apply at: https://cerna.org/apply/