Rodale Institute: Celebrating 75 Years Of Organic Leadership

October 7 marks Rodale Institute's 75th Anniversary. First established in 1947 by J.I. Rodale and his wife as the Soil and Health Foundation near Emmaus in Berks County, Rodale Institute was created to resist the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture. 

During the last century, the rise of chemical-based agriculture has dramatically changed the way we produce our food. 

Increasingly corporate and mechanized, today’s conventional farms are saturated with artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that are engineered to reduce the burden of labor while keeping crop yields high.

However, we have failed to recognize the unintended consequences of conventional, chemical-based farming practices. 

Soil health degradation, loss of organic matter and erosion, as well as water pollution, toxic residues in our food supply, and lack of biodiversity— to name a few.

We have also failed to recognize what is at stake. If we continue on this path, there will soon come a time when our soil gives out and we will be unable to feed our children and grandchildren.

Thankfully, despite these very real dangers, positive transformation is possible. 

Since 1947, Rodale Institute has taken the lead to promote a better, natural, and more responsible way of modern farming by conducting research into the cultivation of healthy, living soils. 

Way back then we called this approach “organic”—and an entire movement was born.

Rodale Institute And The Modern Organic Movement - Read Their Story

75 years later, they continue to grow the organic movement through groundbreaking research, farmer training, and education.

Farmer Interns On Why They Believe In Organic.  Hear Their Thoughts

Help Rodale celebrate the rich history of organic agriculture and the future of the regenerative organic movement this fall by joining in their “Why Organic” social media campaign.

They are asking farmers, consumers, activists, environmentalists, and organic fans everywhere to join us on social media October 3-7 to celebrate the past, present, and future of organic agriculture. 

Share why you’re passionate about regenerative organic farming and participate in the “Why Organic” campaign

Participate In #MyWhyOrganic

For more information on programs, initiatives, research, assistance available to farmers, and upcoming events, visit the Rodale Institute website. Upcoming Events.  Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Check out their YouTube Channel. 

(Reprinted from the latest Rodale Institute newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

[Posted: October 4, 2022]  PA Environment Digest