Growing Midwest Regenerative Agriculture Value Chains

Summary

In 2025, Winrock International committed to advancing regenerative agriculture in the Midwestern United States through value chain coordination (VCC) – a proven strategy that links regenerative farms to equitable markets. Over a three-year period, the Wallace Center at Winrock will develop a strategic framework for regional VCC expansion, launch updated trainings and a new trainer certification program, and conduct supply chain analyses to identify market gaps. Through coordination between VCC experts, farmer groups, agri-businesses, extension providers, and funders, the commitment aims to train at least 675 practitioners, including 75 youth, to provide VCC technical assistance to meet the growing demand for VCC services and indirectly benefit 7,500 individuals by 2028. Activities will be implemented across six Midwestern states (IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, WI) , strengthening regenerative agriculture markets and building the capacity of farmers, businesses, and regional stakeholders.

Approach

The Wallace Center at Winrock International will implement this commitment through a phased, collaborative strategy that leverages national expertise and regional partnerships to expand value chain coordination (VCC) for regenerative agriculture. Coordination with CGI will enhance decision-making, amplify impact, and mobilize resources. Together, they will engage VCC experts, farmer groups, agri-businesses, extension providers, and funders to strengthen VCC technical capacity, build market connections, and foster collaboration.
The Wallace Center is a national leader in VCC, a proven strategy for linking regenerative farms to equitable markets. It combines investments in physical infrastructure with the development of “soft” infrastructure: the professional skills and networks that enable successful transactions. Over the past decade, the Wallace Center has partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pilot 15 regional VCC initiatives and developed a five-module training course that has certified over 300 practitioners since 2021. With the Food Systems Leadership Network (FSLN) , the Wallace Center facilitates a national VCC Community of Practice with over 500 members, offering a ready platform for growing the field.
In the Midwest, the Wallace Center leads projects such as Advancing Midwest Agriculture Transitions, Scaling a Watershed-Level Regenerative Livestock Meat System in Southern Indiana, and the Low-Overhead Dairy Grazing Project. These efforts support markets for regenerative livestock, dairy, and perennial cropping, while strengthening regional capacity for systems change.
However, as demand for VCC technical assistance rises, scaling is limited by a shortage of experienced trainers. This Commitment will meet a critical regional need by exploring the potential of a VCC trainer certification program, expanding peer learning opportunities, and strengthening regenerative market pathways. The Action Plan presents a scalable, systems-level approach to growing VCC capacity and supporting resilient, equitable markets for regenerative agriculture across the Midwest.

Action Plan

The Wallace Center at Winrock International will implement this 36-month commitment through four strategic phases.
Phase 1 (by Month 6) : will establish the foundation for Midwest value chain coordination (VCC) expansion. In collaboration with the Food Systems Leadership Network (FSLN) , Kitchen Sync Strategies, Food Finance Institute, and regional partners, the team will define timelines, partner roles, and funding strategies. This phase will also engage a broad set of regenerative stakeholders, from small farms to larger businesses, to build regional buy-in.
Phase 2 (by Month 12) : will launch cohort-based outreach through refreshed VCC training. At least two live training sessions and new online resources will be deployed. The project will co-lead two peer-learning events within the national Community of Practice (CoP) , publish case studies, and finalize the design of a VCC trainer certification program. A “pause and reflect” convening will evaluate progress and identify value chains most ready for targeted support.
Phase 3 (Year 2) : will deepen CoP engagement through at least four additional peer-learning sessions and, pending funding, onboard the first cohort of certified trainers. Place-based efforts will include two market gap analyses and two tailored VCC trainings, with findings published by Month 24.
Phase 4 (Year 3) : will focus on scaling implementation by supporting the development or expansion of at least three value chains. A synthesis report summarizing lessons learned, evaluation results, and advocacy recommendations will be completed by Month 30. The final months will focus on sustainability, laying the groundwork for long-term CoP continuity and regional VCC support, and culminate with a closeout report by Month 36.
This plan will train at least 675 practitioners, including 75 youth; certify an initial cohort of VCC trainers; and strengthen multiple Midwest value chains to accelerate the growth of regenerative agriculture at scale.

Background

The Midwest produces approximately 80% of the nation’s corn and soybeans (USDA ERS, 2023) , but decades of monoculture farming have led to widespread environmental, economic, and social harm. Eroding soils, nutrient runoff, and declining biodiversity have damaged ecosystems and water quality. Many rural communities, especially small and mid-sized farms, are increasingly vulnerable due to limited resources, degraded land, and exposure to climate and market shocks (EPA, 2021; NSAC, 2020) .
In response, a broad coalition of farmers, nonprofits, businesses, researchers, and agencies is working to advance regenerative agriculture in the region. Practices like rotational grazing, perennial cropping, agroforestry, crop diversification, cover cropping, and other conservation methods rebuild soil organic matter, reduce erosion, improve water retention, and enhance biodiversity. These practices also diversify income streams and reduce input costs, making farms more resilient (Schreefel et al., 2020; LaCanne & Lundgren, 2018) . Some studies show regenerative systems can boost farm profits by up to 78% (Soil Health Institute, 2021) . At the same time, consumer and corporate demand for sustainable products is growing, creating an opportunity to build value chains that reward ecological stewardship and strengthen rural economies.
Despite this momentum, significant barriers remain. Farmers face high transition costs, uncertain returns, limited access to capital, and inadequate technical assistance. In addition, supply chains for regenerative products, particularly those serving wholesale and institutional buyers, are fragmented or underdeveloped across much of the Midwest. Those that are emerging often overlook the needs of small and medium sized farms, as well as the needs of underserved farmers.
This Commitment to Action will help address these challenges. Building on the Wallace Center at Winrock International’s expertise in value chain coordination, this initiative will support the expansion of regenerative agriculture across the Midwest by investing in the value chain coordination technical assistance that will help boost the profitability of regenerative farmers.

Progress Update

Partnership Opportunities

The Wallace Center at Winrock International seeks funding from philanthropic foundations, government agencies, and private-sector partners to expand the national VCC CoP and deliver VCC training across the Midwest. Wallace is seeking implementation partners, including nonprofits, farmer cooperatives, and food businesses, to collaborate on supply chain analyses, VCC training events, and regenerative market development. The Wallace Center also welcomes policy advocacy allies and USDA program partners to help integrate VCC into federal and state initiatives.
The Wallace Center seeks market intelligence and market data partners who are specifically focused on consumer trends and product development in the Midwest. Additionally, Wallace seeks media and communications partners to amplify success stories and case studies, along with academic collaborators and technical experts to strengthen curriculum design, evaluation, and measurement of VCC outcomes. This combination of resources and expertise is critical to scaling regenerative agriculture and building resilient, equitable food systems across the region.,The Wallace Center at Winrock International, alongside key partners, offers expertise in VCC and regenerative agriculture – particularly in the U.S. Midwest. Through this commitment, the Wallace Center will share access to its VCC training curriculum, including online courses, live cohort training events, and practical tools. Best practices and lessons learned will be shared through case studies, success stories, and a synthesis report.
Partners will have opportunities to engage in the national CoP co-led with the Food Systems Leadership Network, providing peer mentorship, knowledge exchange, and regular learning sessions. The Wallace Center will collaborate with partners on supply chain analyses and market development strategies for regenerative agriculture. Critically, the Wallace Center will design and launch a new VCC trainer certification program to expand technical assistance capacity, positioning partners for long-term success in building equitable, resilient food systems by supporting market developments and transactions for regenerative agriculture.