Rodale Institute

Rodale Institute is one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in the history of organic and regenerative agriculture, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The institute is globally recognized for its pioneering Farming Systems Trial, initiated in 1981, which is the longest-running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional farming systems in North America. Its research has produced foundational evidence for the economic and ecological advantages of organic practices, including superior soil health, carbon sequestration potential, and comparable crop yields under diverse conditions. Rodale Institute provides extensive farmer training programs, including its well-established Farmer Training program and the Veteran Farmer Training initiative, which supports military veterans transitioning into agricultural careers. The institute operates a 333-acre certified organic research farm and runs a network of satellite locations across the United States to broaden its educational and research reach. It publishes research findings, practical guides, and the New Farm website, which has been a trusted resource for organic farmers for decades. Rodale Institute also engages actively in policy advocacy, working to strengthen support for organic and regenerative farming at national and state levels. Its work continues to shape global understanding of regenerative agriculture as a viable, science-backed pathway to a healthier food system and more resilient planet.