Rodale Institute

The Rodale Institute, founded in 1947, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing regenerative organic agriculture through scientific research, farmer training, and consumer education. Headquartered in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, it operates a certified organic research farm and multiple regional resource centers. Key research activities include its long-running Farming Systems Trial (since 1981), which directly compares organic vs. conventional farming systems, studies of soil health, climate resilience, pest and disease management without synthetic chemicals, and the development of practices for nutrient-dense food production. The Institute also provides education through workshops, field days, online courses, and farmer consulting services to help transition farms to organic or regenerative practices. It aims to influence policy, market demand, and consumer behavior toward sustainable food systems while delivering demonstrable environmental benefits (soil organic matter increase, carbon sequestration, reduced energy inputs, etc.).