In 2025, NRCS announced the launch of the Regenerative Pilot Program, which allocated $700 million to specifically support regenerative agriculture. Farmers who participate in this program are required to track conservation outcomes in accordance with Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity (CEMA) 216 Soil Health Testing. CEMA 216 Soil Health Testing provides financial support for specific soil health indicators to be evaluated using specific testing methods and requires that a Qualified Individual (QI) facilitates the process. If you are a Technical Service Provider, Certified Crop Advisor, Certified Professional Agronomist, Certified Professional Soil Scientist, Associate Professional Soil Scientist, or possess an Associate’s degree or higher in agriculture or soil science with at least two years of experience collecting soil for laboratory analysis, you may serve as a QI to deliver services to fulfil CEMA 216. If you possess the above-mentioned qualifications and are interested in learning more about the requirements to provide your services in support of CEMA 216, they welcome you to join their NRCS information session regarding CEMA 216 hosted on Monday, June 29th from 10:30 to 12 PM EST.