Rodale Institute

Meet Sydney Foreman, one of the amazing students in our RIFT program! What brought you to Rodale Institute?  Sydney Foreman is a recent graduate from Indiana University (IU) with a degree in Geography focused in food and agriculture systems. Over her baccalaureate career she studied the distribution of people, growers, food, and food access through global commodity chains and resources. In the summer of 2022 she decided to try her hand at regenerative farming herself and did a 3 month work stay program on a diversified vegetable and livestock farm in southern Indiana. There she fell in love with the act of land stewardship and growing food for her local community. After this experience she knew that she wanted to take a pragmatic approach to her studies at IU and work to decentralize the food system while fostering a more food sovereign nation by becoming a regenerative farm and storefront owner — selling only truly locally grown and raised products. Sydney applied to the RIFT program to gain the practical growing and business skills that are central to the success of her future goals. What areas within agriculture are you most interested in? 
 Sydney is interested in creating an agricultural space that can act as a role model for regenerative farming. This meaning, a space that welcomes in the community with events such as classes, book clubs, or harvest parties to facilitate conversation and idea exchange about our current food system and food sources. Spreading knowledge about food origins and sharing food sovereignty skills is at the top of Sydney’s passions for becoming a grower. On her future farm she imagines a variety of products to be grown in a market garden style including pastured hens for eggs and vegetables including popcorn, okra, peppers, berries and more. However, to begin she imagines a dried herb business as she understands the holes in the local food market and gauges community interest in certain food based classes, events, and clubs. What are you hoping to do after graduating from the RIFT program? 
 After graduating the RIFT program Sydney hopes to find employment with a company who values equitable food distribution, education, and advocacy for a socially responsible future of our food system. In the meantime, she hopes to find the right piece of land and community to start her small farm business. Location: Sydney is from the midwest but is open to relocating to wherever her agricultural knowledge and passions are most needed. To learn more about Sydney and other RIFT students, check out their bios and contact information here: https://lnkd.in/eFdvd5eb Inspired by Sydney’s journey? Apply now for Rodale Institute’s 2025 Farmer Training Program! Choose between our Kutztown, PA campus or our new location in Salina, KS: https://lnkd.in/eGyt6aCa

Homecoming is always one of our favorite days of the year. It’s a time when RIFT graduates return to campus, reconnect, reminisce, and meet the next generation of farmers! 🎉 This year’s event didn’t disappoint— we love seeing how our alumni stay connected to the RIFT community, offering guidance and mentorship to current students. It’s what makes this tradition so special! 

Join us for a Live Webinar: The Future of Organic From seed to shelf, organic is evolving. What does the future hold? Our expert panel will dive into key issues, emerging trends, and strategies for success in an ever-changing market. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what excites and concerns industry leaders as they shape the future of organic. 📅 October 16 | ⏰ 1:30 PM (CDT) Register FREE here: https://bit.ly/4eMz2pl We'll be joined by panelists from Rodale Institute, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Organic Alliance, and Innova Market Insights. #Organic #Sustainability #FutureOfOrganic #Webinar #OrganicBusiness

Join Dr. Gladis Zinati, next Wednesday, October 16th for this webinar to learn more about the latest research work being developed and results compiled on soil and crop nutrients from the Vegetable Systems Trial, a long-term trial. The Vegetable Systems Trial is a side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic methods for growing vegetables.This unique long-term study explores a novel approach to link soil health to crop nutrient density to human health, by comparing side-by-side the impact of cropping systems and management practices on changes in soil health indicators and nutritional quality of vegetables, all within the same set of environmental conditions. This project is supported in part by the Grantham Foundation, PA Department of Agriculture – Specialty Crop Block Grants, Paloma Bianca, and Orange County Community Foundation. For more information and to register, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eWEiGY3m

We’re excited to spotlight Nick Henry, a dedicated student making strides in our Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) program! What brought you to Rodale Institute? “I applied to the Rodale Institute because I want to learn a craft or trade that causes healing. Growing food using regenerative organic practices allows for this to occur.” What areas within agriculture are you most interested in? “My agricultural interests lean towards Sylvopasture, Agroforestry, Alley cropping of perennial berries, fruit trees and herbs. As well as learning everything about tractor work with wheat and grains.” What are you hoping to do after graduating from the RIFT program? “I’m looking forward to starting a homestead on a few acres of family land in Gallipolis Ferry, West Virginia. In the meantime I am open to gaining experience anywhere in the world for the first few years.” To learn more about Nick and other RIFT students, check out their bios and contact information here: https://lnkd.in/eFdvd5eb Feeling motivated by Nick’s journey? Applications are now open for the 2025 Rodale Institute Farmer Training Program! You can join us at our Kutztown, PA campus or our new site in Salina, KS: https://lnkd.in/eGyt6aCa

Join us on October 28th, 2024, for the “Fall into Organic Practices: Farmer Field Walk” at Lola’s Organic Farm in Glenwood, GA. This educational workshop will run from 10 AM to 2 PM and is geared toward current and transitioning organic farmers eager to learn about organic technical assistance programs and effective organic practices, with a particular emphasis on cover crops and soil health in organic systems. To register, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eeD9-Rp5 Participants will enjoy a guided tour led by Jennifer and Ron, Owners and Farmers, where they’ll explore the rich history of Lola’s Organic Farm and delve into various organic practices and soil health strategies. Experts will discuss more about soil health practices in organic systems and organic citrus management. Following the farm tour, attendees can participate in a Q&A session with technical service providers, gaining insights into current organic programs and the journey to USDA Organic certification. Lunch will be provided at no cost, but registration is required. Farmers will also have the opportunity to connect with organic technical providers on-site and receive personalized technical assistance. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and network with fellow farmers and organic experts in the field! This program is funded and support by the USA SE TOPP Program.

Meet Kristie Polito, one of the amazing students in our Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) program! Kristie shared with us her path to Rodale Institute, her love for regenerative farming, and the exciting projects she has in store. What brought you to Rodale Institute?
“So many stars aligned for me to land at Rodale for the 2024 farming season. A mid-life awakening on many levels so to speak.  An unsteady world, broken food system and an exit from corporate America led me to a passion in agriculture and on a skill seeking journey to self-sufficiency. First stop, RIFT!” What areas within agriculture are you most interested in?
“My agriculture interests lie in regenerative practices around soil rejuvenation, market gardening and food forestry to include permaculture design principals. My focus is on veggies, herbs and microgreens with a staple crop of garlic…lots of garlic.” What are you hoping to do after graduating from the RIFT program?
“I have so many ideas and plans after graduating from the RIFT program! I’d love to acquire sponsorship for two independent continuing educational programing projects for the RIFT 2024 cohort! I invite you to follow my beginner farming adventures on Instagram at End of the Road Acres (@eotracres) and for anyone looking sponsor/partner with this bundle of magic or just chat it up about agriculture.” Location: “My ultimate goal is Florida farming to be closer to mom but I am flexible and open to where the farming journey leads me to learn as much as I can.” To learn more about Kristie and other RIFT students, check out their bios and contact information here: https://lnkd.in/eFdvd5eb Inspired by Kristie’s journey? Apply now for Rodale Institute’s 2025 Farmer Training Program! Choose between our Kutztown, PA campus or our new location in Salina, KS: https://lnkd.in/eGyt6aCa

The 2024 Regenerative Healthcare Conference at Rodale Institute was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Attendees were immersed in the connection between soil health and human wellness through insightful sessions and hands-on learning, all set against the backdrop of Rodale’s beautiful 386-acre organic farm. From organic, farm-to-table meals prepared by renowned chefs, to yoga sessions at sunrise, peaceful farm walks,connecting with a community of change-makers and listening to thought-provoking keynote speakers, every aspect of the event was designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. It was more than just a conference—it was an opportunity to connect with the land, explore the future of regenerative healthcare, and experience firsthand how food, farming, and health are all deeply intertwined. Thank you to all who joined us, and if you missed this year, we can’t wait to welcome you next time!

Join us for a live conversation with a organic citrus farmer! We’re excited to invite you to a live conversation with Herb Young, the passionate owner of Squeeze Citrus, as he shares his journey into organic citrus farming. Herb will dive into his experiences with organic certification and the unique challenges he’s faced growing organic citrus in South Georgia. Discover experiences of regenerative organic practices and gain valuable insights into making your organic farm thrive. This webinar is perfect for current and transitioning organic farmers. Whether you’re starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate the organic certification process. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and enhance your organic farming journey: https://lnkd.in/gMKtbBRY This webinar is funded by the USDA National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

Applications for Rodale Institute's 2025 Farmer Training Program are open! Whether you're interested in spending 9 months at our Kutztown, PA campus or joining our new program in Salina, KS in partnership with Kansas Wesleyan University, we’d love to have you be a part of it. Veterans, we’ve got something just for you—be sure to check out our veteran-specific program! To learn more about our Farmer Training programs please visit: https://lnkd.in/exFqniXE