By Blake Jackson
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is establishing a new Regenerative Agriculture Center to connect researchers, farmers, students, industry representatives and conservation organizations in developing practical approaches to improve soil health, protect natural resources and strengthen farm profitability.
The center will operate on 125 acres of college-managed land at Rockview in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The college, which has managed the property for agricultural operations since 2011, will initially provide full financial support.
Future plans include seeking philanthropic and foundation funding to develop an on-site facility supporting research and extension activities.
The center will function as a field-scale research and demonstration site, complementing smaller research plots and existing on-farm trials.
Researchers will evaluate regenerative farming practices under conditions that more closely resemble commercial agricultural operations while supporting farmer education, workforce development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Regenerative agriculture is an area in which Penn State can bring together the strength of our research, extension and educational programs with the knowledge and experience of the people who work the land every day,” said Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
“The Penn State Regenerative Agriculture Center allows us to take that collaboration to the next level and create a lasting resource for Pennsylvania agriculture. We envision the center as a national leader and convening hub for profitable and regenerative agriculture innovation, connecting science and practice to improve soil health, environmental outcomes, economic returns and ultimately farm viability.”
Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil conditions, water resources, biodiversity, and ecosystem function while maintaining productive and profitable farming systems. Common practices include cover cropping, reduced tillage, diversified crop rotations, and integrating livestock into agricultural operations.
The initiative was a central topic at Penn State’s Regenerative Agriculture Summit, held on October 12-13, 2026, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.
More than 80 participants, including faculty members, producers, extension educators, industry representatives, government agencies and students, discussed research priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
“Regenerative agriculture is not something that can be advanced by one organization or one sector alone,” said Beth Gugino, associate dean for research operations and graduate education.
“This summit brought together thought leaders from across agriculture, industry, government, extension and academia to share perspectives, learn from one another and help shape a shared vision for the future of the Penn State Regenerative Agriculture Center. The center will provide an enduring platform for those conversations to continue and for new partnerships, research and innovations to emerge.”
During the summit, college leaders signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pennsylvania Regenerative Agriculture Research Foundation to strengthen cooperation in research, education, extension programming and agricultural innovation. A stakeholder advisory committee will help guide research priorities and outreach efforts.
The summit also highlighted ongoing Penn State research involving soil health, crop and livestock systems, water quality, agricultural economics, and technology.
Discussions focused on funding partnerships, addressing farm-level challenges, and accelerating adoption of research-based regenerative practices.
Photo Credit: penn-state-college-of-ag-sciences
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Education