Apply Today for The Good Farmer Award U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• About the Award

  What areas does the Award recognize?

  This award program recognizes ‘Beginning Farmers’ in the U.S. who have been farming for 10 years or less and who are leading the way in regenerative organic farming, promoting sustainable food production, and driving the ecological transition of agri-food supply chains.

  Award Focus: Regenerative Organic Farming

  A commitment to practices that enhance biodiversity, increase climate resilience, and foster environmental stewardship. Award submissions should highlight active efforts in regenerative organic farming techniques, such as:

  • Environmental Impact: Projects that support sustainable farming practices, restore ecosystems, or reduce environmental footprints.
  • Community Engagement: Initiatives that strengthen local economies and build community resilience through direct-to-consumer models, CSAs, or local partnerships.
  • Equipment & Infrastructure: Investments in tools and technology that promote farming efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability.
• Eligibility and Criteria

  Who is eligible for the Award?

  This award program seeks ‘Beginning Farmers’ based in the U.S. who has been in operation for 10 years or less. Submissions should highlight active interest or current implementation in environmentally responsible practices that boost regenerative organic agriculture, biodiversity, promote long-term resilience, garner community engagement, and advance sustainable and equitable systems. Regenerative organic agriculture includes cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, and zero use of persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

  Can I apply if I have been farming for more than 10 years?

  This award is targeted towards ‘Beginning Farmers’ only, who are new to applying regenerative practices or interested in advancing their regenerative organic farming.

  Do I need to be an officially certified organic farmer to apply?

  No, certification is not required, but your farm/ranch must demonstrate a commitment to regenerative organic farming practices.

  Are submissions accepted from any country?

  Open to eligible participants in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories

  When is the deadline for nominations?

  All required parts of the application form must be submitted before 11:00 p.m. ET on 01/16/2026.

  In what language should the application be submitted?

  The form must be submitted in English.

  Why do you ask for supporting documents in the nomination form?

  We ask applicants to provide reference letters and/or supporting documents about the farm/ranch. This helps the Jury learn more about the applicant and gather more insight that will help the selection process.

• Selection Process

  What is the Jury looking for?

  An exemplary ‘Beginning Farmers’ who advance ecologically sound agricultural practices, build biodiversity on-farm, and foster resilience, sustainability, and social equity.

  When will the 2026 edition award recipient be announced?

  The award recipients will be announced on April 22, 2026.

  Can a re-evaluation of the process be requested?

  Appeals cannot be made against the decision taken by the panel of judges.

• Award Funding

  How much money will be awarded?

  The top award recipient will receive $10,000 from Davines North America to invest in equipment and initiatives that elevate their agroecological efforts, along with an all-expenses-paid trip (valued at $5,000) to the European Regenerative Organic Center (EROC) in Parma, Italy—a premier research and training hub connected to the Davines Group Village.

  The second-place award recipient will receive $5,000 from Davines North America to invest in equipment and initiatives that elevate their agroecological efforts, along with an all-expenses-paid trip (valued at $2,500) to Rodale Institute in Kutztown, PA. The third-place award recipient will be provided free access to Rodale Institute Education Resources, including online courses and workshops, and free registration at Rodale Institute’s annual field day in July 2025.

  How will the award be given?

  The awards will be given based on the strength of your project proposal and its alignment with regenerative organic principles. A panel of judges will review submissions and select one recipient in the U.S. The award recipients will be announced on April 22, 2026.

  How should the Award money be used?

  You can select one or a combination of the following categories:

  • Environmental Impact: The award will be used to help aid sustainable, resilient farming practices that reduce environmental footprints and restore ecosystems. Examples include: irrigation systems that promote water efficiency, strategic till farming, agroforestry, cover cropping.
  • Community Engagement: The award will be used to help strengthen local economies and foster community relationships by prioritizing transparency, accessibility, and mutual support. Examples include: direct-to-consumer models such as farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and local grocery partnerships.
  • Equipment & Infrastructure: The award will be used to purchase tools and equipment that contribute to efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. Examples include: roller crimper, advanced composting systems, energy-efficient coolers, solar panels to power infrastructure.
• Contact

  If you have any questions, or experience any technical difficulties submitting the application form, please contact: GoodFarmerAwards@rodaleinstitute.org.