URBANA, Ill. — Regenerative agriculture is a multi-faceted approach to rebuilding the health and vitality of earth's soil, water, biodiversity, and climate. The new Illinois Regenerative Agriculture Initiative (IRAI) is home for regenerative agriculture research, education, and outreach at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Launched in October, IRAI, with support from Fresh Taste, will gather stakeholders on campus to create agriculture and food systems resilient to climate change, improve soil and water quality, support healthy communities, and enhance food security. 

The group is hosting its second public meeting at 3:30 p.m. CT April 9, and interested farmers, researchers, and nonprofit groups with a stake in resilient agriculture and food production are encouraged to attend.

A major part of the initiative is facilitating ongoing conversations with key actors in the food system network: producers, landowners, end users, scientists, nongovernmental organizations, technology firms, policy makers, the financial sector, and experts in related disciplines.

IRAI will release detail on its first request for proposals at the April meeting and network for shared understanding and team development as the project takes its next steps. 

IRAI is a partnership between U of I Department of Crop Sciences; College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; Extension, and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment.

Register online: Learn more on the IRAI website.

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

SOURCE: Media contact: Tony Mancuso, iSEE Communications and Public Affairs Director, tmancuso@illinois.edu; 217-300-3546