Rodale Institute’s mission to redefine agriculture is rooted in Greater Reading
Where the soil is rich, so are the ideas. From its home in Kutztown, Pa., Rodale Institute is growing more than crops; they are growing solutions for the future of farming.
“We have proven that organic farming is not only viable, but essential to humanity’s survival,” said Jessica Student, Chief Impact Officer at Rodale Institute.
That gives insight into one of the world’s most pressing challenges: building a global food system that prioritizes both human and environmental health. At Rodale, the belief is that organic farming innovations are the key to ensuring the longevity of agriculture.
“We believe organic farming innovations are key to future-proofing agriculture, and we’re committed to supporting farmers and agricultural communities,” said Student.
Rodale’s impact is grounded in its research. The work it does has informed national organic standards and continues to do so through a team of scientists conducting research across the United States and Europe. There is a consistent stream of “actionable” data available to producers of all sizes available in real-time, which helps those producers improve practices faster.
But that is not where its research ends.
“The Institute has also expanded its capacity to serve producers anywhere in America by establishing five strategically located regional resource centers. These physical centers are hubs for geographically relevant research and education,” said Student.
This commitment to accessibility extends to partnerships with colleges and universities, with the goal of broadening access to practical scientific research and regenerative organic farmer training programs that result in students being workforce-ready in under 12 months.
Rodale also offers a specific track for U.S. Veterans, first-generation farmers and former conventional farmers, all of which help the Institute meet the nation’s need for skills-based training that is accessible to individuals of all socioeconomic and educational walks of life.
That is not where its dedication ends. Through Rodale’s Organic Consultancy division, there is further support provided to major agricultural states like Pennsylvania. This is done by offering multi-year, on-the-ground transition services from conventional to regenerative organic practices, which is completely free of charge, removing barriers that farmers worldwide often face.
“Pennsylvania is also a powerhouse producer in the organic sector and ranks third in the nation for organic sales” Student said. “With strong partners in the Governor’s office, Pennsylvania’s House and Senate, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the private sector with Pennsylvania-based supporters such as Bell & Evans, the commonwealth is the ideal home for Rodale Institute’s headquarters.”
These efforts are key to Rodale’s philosophy, as well as its dedication to Pennsylvania. The Institute remains deeply rooted in Kutztown.
“Rodale Institute was born in Berks County, and we continue to call Kutztown home,” said Student. “The Institute’s longest-running research trial, the Farming System’s Trial (FST), is based at our Main Campus in Kutztown and applies real-world practices and rigorous scientific analysis to document the different impacts of organic and conventional grain cropping systems. FST’s over 40 years of accumulated data and findings make it one of the most consequential studies of organic agriculture anywhere.”
Rodale’s leadership in these sectors of agriculture is sustained by a wide variety of supporters. From the support in the Pennsylvania government to Fortune 500 companies, there is a wide net of support around the research and work that Rodale does for agriculture.
“The public and private support of the Institute is a testament to the need for our work in the American agricultural sector as well as the effectiveness of both our programming and illuminating scientific research,” Student said.
This support has not gone unnoticed by Rodale, who has launched a “Seasonal Organic Dinner series.” This series will enable investors and local donors to learn more about the work that Rodale does.
“We couldn’t do this work without our donors’ investments and every dollar counts,” Student said.
For more information, visit Rodale’s website at rodaleinstitute.org. Information about how to donate and the Seasonal Organic Dinner series also can be found there.
