Rodale Institute

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

🌿 Discover the Rodale Institute California Organic Center 🌿 Located in Ventura County, the California Organic Center is a hub of research, committed to advancing organic agriculture and regenerative farming practices. This vital resource supports California farmers by conducting regionally focused research trials in California climate, soils, crops, pests, and weed management.    🌱 THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AT OXO! 🌱 The California Organic Center is thankful for the continued support of OXO that allows us to provide research and consulting support for California farmers. Learn about their commitment to environmental stewardship through their 1% for the Planet campaign.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezSa-Phv

Every Monday, we are thankful for the volunteers from our incredible partners at the Life Always Facing Forward (LAFF) /Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley who join us at the Rodale Institute's St. Luke's Hospital Organic Farm to assist with our cut flower program. Together, we have been delivering beautiful bouquets, mainly to the Anderson Campus gift shop, and they have been very popular!  This is our second year working with LAFF/Cancer Support of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and they also receive a weekly share of our CSA program!  We are thankful for our volunteer's dedication and hope these flowers have been brightening patient rooms and bringing smiles to the dedicated hospital staff! 💐 St. Luke's University Health Network

We are thrilled to announce that the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly shopping page will highlight Regenerative Organic Certified® brands during Climate Week! In building this movement and advancing regenerative organic agriculture, collaborations like this bring more visibility to our mission and ultimately grow the demand for a more resilient food, fiber, and personal care product system. Find lots of Regenerative Organic Certified® certified products on Amazon by following the following link: https://lnkd.in/ekzE2mG2

Climate change is not just a challenge—it's a call to innovate. JM Fortier and the Market Gardener Institute are inviting you for a free live workshop, Farming in the Age of Climate Change, from October 8 to 10. Discover how regenerative agriculture can help us: 🌱 Build resilience on our farms 🌍 Protect and restore our soils 💚 Create a sustainable future for all Register now: https://lnkd.in/eGeh3J5s

Webinar: Organic Unveiled—A Journey Through Certification and Challenges For more information and to register, please visit:  https://lnkd.in/gMKtbBRY 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! This webinar is funded by the USDA National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

Exciting update from Lithuania featuring Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and one of our Rodale Consulting Regional Managers, Léa Vereecke! Check out some of the things the group did: -Discussions with Minister Kazys Starkevičius and his team at the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture -Met with the Speaker and members of the Committee on Rural Affairs of the National Parliament. -Met with AUGA group - one of Europe's largest vertically integrated organic food companies. -Léa also presented at VDU Žemės ūkio akademija / VMU Agriculture Academy alongside Deanna Behring from Penn State University for a productive discussion on sustainable agriculture and organic farming.  -Visited an organic dairy farm with a biogas power plant run by Arūnas Lipavičius and held discussions with BaltMilk and the Lithuanian Association of Organic Farms.   In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement marked a significant step in cultivating agricultural knowledge and investments between our regions. We look forward to this collaboration's positive impact on both our agricultural sectors!