Rodale Institute Creates Change for a Healthy Farming Future

Seventy-eight years ago, Rodale Institute's mission was born to promote a better, natural and more responsible way of modern farming. Decades later, this mission is more important than ever. The future of food and the future of our planet are dependent on the farmers we prepare today. Regenerative organic agriculture is more than a method of growing food — it’s a holistic approach rooted in soil health, biodiversity and resilience. Preparing the next generation of farmers to steward the land with care is not only a mission but an urgent global need.

Headquartered in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Rodale Institute is a global leader in regenerative organic research through the cultivation of healthy, living soils, supporting environmentally responsible farmers and giving the word “organic” visible meaning. Although the consequences of conventional, chemical-based farming practices are serious, positive transformation is still possible. Founder J.I. Rodale encouraged American farmers and agriculturalists to move the needle forward in environmental practices, hence the belief that still rings true today: “The future is organic.”

Organic agriculture is not a trend but the foundation of a resilient food system. At Rodale Institute, we say “Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People.” This philosophy guides every research trial, training program and partnership we undertake.

Differences in Land Management

The Institute’s long-term Farming Systems Trial launched in 1981 and is the longest-running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional agriculture in North America. The trial plays a key role in the understanding of conventional and organic land management. The results show that organic systems build soil health, yield competitive harvests and outperform conventional systems during times of extreme weather. For farmers entering the field today, these findings provide scientific validation that organic isn’t just viable — it’s essential to long-term cropland viability and profitability.

To make progress, Rodale Institute is setting its sights on converting 1 million acres of farmland across 1,000 farms to regenerative organic production by 2035, partnering to improve land access and market opportunities for organic farmers. This could not be possible without Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting experts, who have valuable experience with different crops, soils and climates throughout the U.S. From on-farm support to equipment advice, organic planning and certification assistance, Rodale Institute consultants are prepared to help farmers across the country take the next step toward environmentally responsible habits.

It’s about knowing your farmer, understanding where food comes from and supporting practices that honor both people and the planet. As we prepare future farmers, it’s important to understand that the farmers today have a ripple effect on the future health of ecosystems, economies and families.

By offering an immersive season-long experience designed to equip beginning farmers with agricultural knowledge and practical skills, Rodale Institute better prepares the next generation of farmers through the Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) program.

RIFT blends classroom education, crop planning and organic certification with daily hands-on work in the field, guided by experienced mentors. Students gain exposure to the realities of running a certified organic farm. The program is open to individuals of all backgrounds, including first-generation farmers, and contains a special track for U.S. veterans.

To reduce barriers to the Institute’s education programs, the nonprofit provides stipends, housing, access to additional workshops and field days for all enrolled students. Graduates leave with real-world skills and the confidence to manage or start their own regenerative organic operations, ensuring the continuity of healthy food and healthy soil for future generations.

Gaining Understanding of Organics

The Institute also offers education through webinars, field days, workshops, online courses and more to encourage a foundation for agriculturalists interested in reframing their structures. Through these forms of education, Rodale Institute hopes viewers will gain their own understanding of regenerative organic agriculture. With this understanding, the Institute calls on Americans to join the movement to create healthy soil, which makes healthy food, and ultimately leads to healthy people.

As of last year, more than 10 million individuals were inspired through digital and in-person channels, with 25,000 farmers and inspectors trained in regenerative organic methods. Education remains the foundation of the Institute’s strategy, since part of the problem stems from a lack of awareness and understanding of what is at stake.

However, no single organization can transform agriculture alone. Preparing future farmers requires a network of support, and Rodale Institute is proud to partner with like-minded organizations that share the vision for an organic future.

Organic Valley Invests in Future Farmers

This year, Organic Valley generously supported the RIFT program, helping to prepare and empower the next generation of organic farmers. As a special thank you and match to that donation, iHeart Radio, a partner of Organic Valley, will also contribute to Rodale Institute. In addition, iHeart will help to amplify the mission through radio spots leading up to and around National Farmers Day in October, spotlighting the vital role of regenerative organic farmers and the importance of investing in their future. 

Additionally, Rodale Institute partners with General Mills and the Organic Trade Association — two highly valuable partner organizations that help put the Institute’s mission into practice. These harmonious relationships address multiple pain points that the agriculture industry faces in the Western Hemisphere.

Partnerships like these multiply impact and allow the Institute to reach larger audiences, support more diverse communities and connect farmers to the broader food system. Together, we are building an ecosystem of support where future regenerative organic farmers can thrive.

The work of preparing future farmers is vital, and Rodale Institute is committed to equipping these farmers with the knowledge, resources and community they need to succeed. As we look to the future, we invite everyone to join us in the mission. When we invest in the future of farmers, we are investing in a healthier, resilient world.