Celebrating Regenerative Organic Farming

“There is no better feeling than being on a farm,” says Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the regenerative organic farming movement through agricultural research and education.  

On Thursday, July 17th, Rodale Institute’s historic, 386-acre organic farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, was the setting for its inaugural Regenerative Roots Dinner, celebrating its pioneering work in transforming food and farming. Board members, donors, partners and friends gathered to celebrate the organization and partake in an organic meal prepared with food fresh from the farm.  

Members of the organization’s Leadership Society were encouraged to bring new people to the farm, introduce them to the important work being done, and foster a community committed to lasting organic agricultural change. 

“I think it’s great that they help people, companies, and organizations learn how to grow food naturally and sustainably,” says America Lublin, a dinner guest. “I wasn’t that familiar with regenerative organic farming before, so I walked away having learned something new and meaningful.”  

Tkach spoke on the mission of Rodale Institute and the growth that they enjoyed. “This organization is experiencing more momentum and power than it has ever in its 75 years,” he declared. “It's because of you, you are stepping up to help fuel a mission that is healing the Earth.”  

Annie Brown, the vice president of development, has been a part of the organization since 2012 but knew about Rodale Institute since she was a child. “Growing up my parents were into gardening, so we had the Rodale gardening books.”

Since her time at Rodale Institute, Brown has seen the growth in acceptance of regenerative organic farming but recognizes that some people still have apprehensions to embracing the organic lifestyle. “Price is often the biggest factor I hear that people have against going organic. I also hear people say they can just wash the pesticides off. But that’s certainly not always the case, plus there are other benefits to eating organically, such as nutrient density, healthier soil, healthier farmers and farm workers, etc.,” says Brown.

Also in attendance was Dan DeMuro, Sales Director at Organic India USA. Organic India sells regeneratively grown herbal wellness products and is part of a growing network of brands partnering with the Regenerative Organic Alliance—an organization founded by Rodale Institute along with brands like Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia. 

“Rodale’s efforts and systems trials are critical to advancing regenerative agriculture and farming as a whole,” says DeMuro. “Their science, advocacy, and farmer training help promote the connection between healthy soil, nutritious food, and climate resiliency.” 

DeMuro first visited Rodale back in 2017 while working at Nutiva, where he attended an event highlighting Rodale Institute’s hemp trial. “I find it incredibly exciting that Rodale—a premier global thought leader in organic farming since the beginning—is headquartered in Pennsylvania, just a few hours from my home at the Jersey Shore.”

With a growing network of partners and research campuses across the country, Rodale Institute is expanding its reach to help bring organic education and food to all. The organization helps farmers transition to organic and regenerative organic agriculture, advocate for sustainable policy, and educate consumers on the power of their food choices. 

“I think that’s what gets me out of bed every morning. Knowing that here at Rodale Institute, what we do is absolutely vital to our survival,” says Brown. “We still have far to go, but we are so energized as an organization to continue to spread the word. Everyone deserves good health, good food, and a healthy planet.”

The dinner was followed the next day by Rodale Institute’s “Annual Organic Field Day” where the farm welcomed visitors to learn about the organization's mission. Rodale Institute staff were on hand to discuss their research, demonstrate regenerative organic farming, and offer resources to local farmers considering the switch to organic. 

With over 400 people in attendance, many of them first-time visitors, there is growing interest in regenerative organic farming and the impact Rodale Institute’s work has on the public.

To learn more about Rodale Institute’s groundbreaking work—or to support its mission—visit Rodale Institute Institute.org. Visitors can sign up for farm tours, attend upcoming workshops, and make tax-deductible donations to fuel the regenerative organic revolution.