Winrock introduces commitment to scale regenerative agriculture across the U.S. Midwest
Little Rock, Ark. — Sept. 24, 2025 — Winrock International announced a groundbreaking new program to advance regenerative agriculture across the U.S. Midwest at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting. The initiative, titled Growing Midwest Regenerative Agriculture Value Chains, is one of three new Commitments to Action launched by Winrock at this year’s CGI event in New York City, and marks Winrock’s first time participating in CGI.
Led by the Wallace Center at Winrock International, the initiative will support farmers with technical assistance, expand regional food networks and strengthen value chain coordination to build resilient, equitable markets for regenerative products from the U.S. The Wallace Center is a national leader in sustainable agriculture and food systems innovation, with deep expertise in value chain coordination — a proven strategy for linking regenerative farms to profitable, values-driven markets.
“At Winrock, we believe that climate resilience and economic opportunity go hand in hand,” said Maqsoda Maqsodi, president and CEO of Winrock International. “This commitment reflects our deep investment in regenerative agriculture as a solution to both environmental degradation and rural disinvestment. By supporting U.S. farmers and strengthening regional value chains in America’s Heartland, we’re helping build a future where sustainability is the standard — not the exception.”
The Midwest produces roughly 80% of the nation’s corn and soybeans, but decades of monoculture farming have left both farmers and communities vulnerable. While soils erode and ecosystems decline, many small and mid-sized farms struggle to find secure and fair markets for regenerative products. Traditional commodity markets rarely reward climate-smart practices and leave smaller, diversified farms behind. Without stronger regional market infrastructure, regenerative farmers face unstable prices and limited outlets for their goods.
This initiative will focus on weaving together local and regional value chains that create consistent, fair and profitable outlets for regenerative farmers. By coordinating buyers, aggregators, processors and distributors, Winrock will help build diverse markets that reward stewardship and resilience. Strengthening these networks ensures that regenerative farms are not just environmentally sound but also economically viable — fueling community wealth, stable farm businesses and stronger regional food systems.
“Regenerative agriculture is more than a set of practices — it’s a pathway to revitalizing rural economies, restoring ecosystems and reimagining our food system in ways that benefit all people and places,” said Pete Huff, director of the Wallace Center. “Through this commitment, we’re growing our investment in the value chain coordination and technical assistance that farmers and communities in the U.S. Midwest need to thrive. Alongside our partners, we’re committed to building and expanding the infrastructure and — most importantly — relationships that connect regenerative farmers to profitable regional food economies that build health and wealth for everyone.”
The initiative will be implemented through a phased, collaborative strategy that leverages national expertise and regional partnerships. Key partners include the Food Systems Leadership Network, Kitchen Sync Strategies and the Food Finance Institute, each bringing unique capabilities in training, market development and financial support for regenerative producers.
The Wallace Center has cultivated a robust network of funders for its regenerative agriculture work in the Midwest and will work through CGI to identify new supporters and partners interested in transformational, region-wide change. The CGI commitment builds on Wallace’s active projects in the Midwest, such as Advancing Midwest Agriculture Transitions, Scaling a Watershed-Level Regenerative Livestock Meat System, and the Low-Overhead Dairy Grazing Project.
“The Midwest is at the heart of America’s agricultural system — and it’s also where some of the most promising regenerative solutions are taking root,” said Colin Quinn, portfolio director for Environment & Climate at Winrock. “This commitment is about scaling those solutions by addressing the real barriers farmers face: access to capital, technical support and viable markets.”
Winrock’s engagement with CGI reflects its unique position among international nongovernmental organizations — as one of the few to maintain a deep and sustained commitment to work in the U.S. Through this and other commitments, Winrock aims to expand partnerships and mobilize new resources to support its mission of empowering the disadvantaged, increasing economic opportunity and sustaining natural resources in the U.S. and around the world.
Contacts:
Pete Huff, director of the Wallace Center at Winrock International: Pete.Huff@Winrock.org
Colin Quinn, portfolio director, Environment & Climate: Colin.Quinn@Winrock.org
Related Projects
