Rodale Institute

🥬The Rodale Institute's Midwest Organic Center’s Vegetable Systems Trial officially concluded the 2024 growing season with a harvest of 240 cabbage thanks to the assistance of volunteers from Feed Iowa First 🥬After quantifying the yield for each one of our treatment plots, 764 lbs of cabbage was transported to Feed Iowa First’s processing and distribution center. 🥬 In the 2024 growing season we donated more than 3000 lbs of organic produce to support families experiencing food insecurity through Feed Iowa First programs while also conducting valuable research on no-till vegetable production—a win-win for Rodale Institute's Midwest Organic Center’s local food system!

🌱 Rodale Institute at #AGU24! 🌎 Dr. Dinesh Panday, our esteemed Soil Scientist, represented Rodale Institute at the 2024 AGU Meeting in Washington, D.C., from December 9–13. Dr. Panday presented our research in his presentation “Effect of Biochar Application on Soil Health and Crop Productivity: A Controlled Environment." Each year, AGU’s annual meeting, the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists, convenes 25,000+ attendees from 100+ countries to share groundbreaking research and connect with colleagues. We’re proud to have Rodale Institute’s work featured at this prestigious event, advancing the conversation around soil health!

At our Southeast Organic Center, we’ve just wrapped up the second year of our groundbreaking study on mulching systems for organic vegetable production! 🎉 This research is all about finding cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic mulch, helping farmers with weed control and nematode management. Here’s a snapshot of our progress: 
🫑 In April 2024, about 800 pepper plants were seeded in our greenhouse.
 🌿 By June 20, they were thriving in research plots .
📅 Harvests took place in August, September, and October.
 🔬 Next up? Nutrient analysis of the peppers! This work brings us closer to sustainable solutions that boost yields and combat pests, paving the way for organic growers to thrive.

🌱 We’re Hiring: Research Farm Manager at Rodale Institute’s Pacific Northwest Organic Center in Rockport, WA! The center has well-established blueberries and raspberries as well as other perennial fruits. Research over the next five years will be focusing on organic perennial systems using agroforestry, alley-cropping, and integrated crop-livestock systems in hazelnut, aronia berry and elderberry. We are developing outreach, education and consulting programs to benefit farmers and the general public in the future. The surrounding area is considered remote and rural. The Research Farm Manager will be responsible for activities in the field and facilities.  For more information and to apply, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eRauUBYv

On November 17, the Rodale Institute California Organic Center participated in an event hosted by The Holdfast Collective- Maiz Field Day, held at Leap Lab in Santa Paula. With about 50 attendees- the event focused on the rich tradition and techniques of growing corn.  Highlights from the day: 🌾 Farmer Edgar shared his journey growing food for schools, managing land, and teaching kids about farming. 🌎 Reyna Ortega-Aviles from the California Organic Center emphasized crop rotations and the deep connection between people and the earth. 🌱 Lupe Ortega shared stories from his childhood in Mexico, where growing corn naturally, what we now call 'organic', was just part of life. He highlighted the importance of heirloom seeds and how asking other growers for advice can make all the difference when challenges come up. 🌎 Several local organizations like CAUSE, the California Center for Cooperative Development, the Saticoy Food Hub, CDFA Farm to School Program, CCOF, and more joined the gathering and shared ideas and opportunities to support the local farming community.

At the OGRAIN Winter Conference, Join us for an insightful session dedicated to the ever-evolving landscape of organic grain markets. Don’t miss this chance to discuss market conditions and explore potential partnerships in the organic grain sector! This event will feature a presentation by economist Alexander Schultz from Argus Media, where he will delve into current and emerging market trends that are shaping the organic grain sector, and translate data into actionable intelligence, helping farmers navigate the future of organic grain pricing and markets fundamentals. Following the presentation, we invite all attendees to participate in an organic buyer/seller mixer. This is an opportunity for farmers to connect directly with buyers, fostering relationships that can lead to future collaborations. Please bring your business cards to exchange contact information. This event is free and open to the public and is hosted in collaboration with the OGRAIN Winter Conference. For more information and registration, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eBEhAcuX

Mike Horvath has been volunteering at Rodale Institute for more than a decade, starting around the same time we introduced our flagship baseball cap! Made from organic cotton and featuring Rodale Institute's logo, this jungle-green hat is a workhorse—much like Mike, who lends a hand twice a week filtering compost and landscaping across the farm. Want to shop our Rodale Collection? Check out our online store here!: https://lnkd.in/e3DUgbQ6

Hedlin Farms, a cornerstone of the Skagit Valley farming community in La Conner, WA, has been family-run for more than a century. Founded by Danish immigrant Rasmus Koudal, the farm is now stewarded by his great-grandson, Dave Hedlin, and Dave’s wife, Serena Campbell. Together, they grow nearly 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and grains.   In 2023, Patagonia Provisions supported the Hedlin family in converting 169 acres of their farmland to Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) wheat for use in their crackers, a milestone in their legacy of using regenerative and organic practices. 🌱   Hedlin Farms is also part of Patagonia Provisions beer program, supplying ROC rye to Admiral Malting for craft brews 🍺—a delicious way to connect farming to your glass.   Photos: Amy Kumler

Dr. Bharat Acharya proudly represented Rodale Institute at the 21st IFOAM Organic World Congress in Taiwan! The conference, themed "Cultivating Organic Solutions for True Sustainability," brought together global leaders in organic agriculture. Ahead of the Congress, Dr. Acharya participated in the “Development of Ecological Agriculture in the Hualien Area” biotour, organized by the Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station and Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture. On December 4th, he delivered an impactful presentation titled “International Cooperation and Exchange in Organic Agriculture Research.” His talk highlighted key takeaways from the biotour and emphasized opportunities for collaboration with Taiwan to drive global advancements in organic farming. Swipe through to see highlights from his inspiring trip! 1.Dr. Bharat Acharya and Dr. Andrew Smith 2.Dr. Bharat Acharya’s presentation 3.Dr. Bharat Acharya and Dr. Andrew Smith with recent RIFT Graduate Lynn Walker who was also attending!

At the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the remarkable progress and historic investments that position U.S. agriculture and forestry as global climate leaders. These initiatives aim to drive innovative climate solutions, establish climate-smart markets, and create new revenue opportunities for rural communities. One standout initiative is Rodale Institute’s Southern Piedmont Climate-Smart Project, which represents several groundbreaking milestones: -Historic Grant: The largest grant in Rodale Institute’s history. -Unprecedented Research: The most extensive conventional-to-organic comparative research project ever undertaken by Rodale Institute. -Regional Impact: Uniting farming partners across the Southeast under a single, transformative project, significantly boosting Rodale Institute's presence in the region. -Innovative Monitoring: First-ever collection of Nitrous Oxide, Carbon Dioxide, Ammonia, and Methane gas emissions from on-farm trials using continuous Eddy Covariance Systems. -Assessing Impacts: Examining the effects of black plastic versus strip tilling and roller crimping on greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, and economic and social barriers to change. -Consumer Engagement: Exploring strategies for consumer messaging to better promote and increase demand for regenerative produce. This project not only sets new benchmarks for agricultural research but also reinforces Rodale Institute’s role in advancing climate-smart solutions. For more information on Rodale Institute’s Southern Piedmont Climate-Smart Project, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ef7svjv9