Rodale Institute: Growing the Future of Organic Agriculture
- Farmer Story
- Research Story
Rodale Institute: Growing the Future of Organic Agriculture
Organic farming has long been one of many regenerative approaches to food production, supporting soil health and ecological balance while eliminating dependence on synthetic inputs. The principles and practices of organic agriculture are vital components of regenerative agriculture.
Rodale Institute, a pioneer in the organic movement since 1947, has been devoted for decades to advancing organic farming systems through research, farmer training, and education. As part of its commitment to regenerative agriculture, General Mills has partnered with Rodale Institute on various initiatives to deepen the impact of organic farming.
With General Mills’ support, Rodale Institute’s efforts extend further, promoting organic farming that regenerates the land and renews soil health while empowering farmers to meet growing consumer demand.
Rodale Institute, a pioneer in the organic movement since 1947, has been devoted for decades to advancing organic farming systems through research, farmer training, and education. As part of its commitment to regenerative agriculture, General Mills has partnered with Rodale Institute on various initiatives to deepen the impact of organic farming.
With General Mills’ support, Rodale Institute’s efforts extend further, promoting organic farming that regenerates the land and renews soil health while empowering farmers to meet growing consumer demand.
Cascadian Farm Home Farm: a historic gift
“In 2022, General Mills donated the Cascadian Farm Home Farm in Skagit Valley, Washington, to Rodale Institute. Founded in 1972 by Gene Kahn, this organic farm has long been a model of sustainable agriculture, demonstrating the benefits of organic methods on a working farm.”
The Home Farm’s history is rooted in organic practices, and today it stands as a symbol of the values shared by Rodale Institute and General Mills.
Rodale Institute has transformed the Home Farm into the Rodale Institute Northwest Organic Center, bringing its research, education, and consulting capabilities to the Pacific Northwest. By focusing on local crops and agricultural challenges, the center will offer training to new generations of organic farmers and continue the farm’s legacy of serving as a lighthouse for sustainable farming practices in the region.
Rodale Institute has transformed the Home Farm into the Rodale Institute Northwest Organic Center, bringing its research, education, and consulting capabilities to the Pacific Northwest. By focusing on local crops and agricultural challenges, the center will offer training to new generations of organic farmers and continue the farm’s legacy of serving as a lighthouse for sustainable farming practices in the region.
A Partnership for Organic Farming Support
The farm donation marks just one aspect of a broader collaboration between the two organizations.
In 2023, General Mills launched a multi-year partnership with Rodale Institute to support farmers growing organic oats and wheat in General Mills’ supply chain. In California and the Northern Great Plains, farmers growing crops used by General Mills’ organic brands are eligible to receive free personalized technical assistance from Rodale Institute organic consultants.
Rodale Institute’s mission centers on healthy soil – the foundation for sustainable agriculture and resilient ecosystems. In 1947, Rodale Institute’s founder coined the concept that “healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy people.” Healthy soil teems with microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that boost plant vitality and protect crops from disease. Soil rich in organic matter holds water, prevents erosion, and supports biodiversity both above and below ground.
Through this partnership, Rodale consultants provide support for farmers to build soil health and sustain crop yields in an environmentally responsible way.
This collaboration aligns with our commitment to advance regenerative agriculture across one million acres of farmland by 2030. In just the first year of partnership, Rodale provided consulting support to farmers collectively managing nearly 25,000 acres of farmland that is either certified organic or in transition to organic in the Northern Great Plains. These farms grow wheat and oats as part of their diverse rotations. Wheat and oats are critical ingredients for Annie’s and Cascadian Farm, brands that are committed to supporting organic agriculture.
In 2023, General Mills launched a multi-year partnership with Rodale Institute to support farmers growing organic oats and wheat in General Mills’ supply chain. In California and the Northern Great Plains, farmers growing crops used by General Mills’ organic brands are eligible to receive free personalized technical assistance from Rodale Institute organic consultants.
Rodale Institute’s mission centers on healthy soil – the foundation for sustainable agriculture and resilient ecosystems. In 1947, Rodale Institute’s founder coined the concept that “healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy people.” Healthy soil teems with microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that boost plant vitality and protect crops from disease. Soil rich in organic matter holds water, prevents erosion, and supports biodiversity both above and below ground.
Through this partnership, Rodale consultants provide support for farmers to build soil health and sustain crop yields in an environmentally responsible way.
This collaboration aligns with our commitment to advance regenerative agriculture across one million acres of farmland by 2030. In just the first year of partnership, Rodale provided consulting support to farmers collectively managing nearly 25,000 acres of farmland that is either certified organic or in transition to organic in the Northern Great Plains. These farms grow wheat and oats as part of their diverse rotations. Wheat and oats are critical ingredients for Annie’s and Cascadian Farm, brands that are committed to supporting organic agriculture.
Beyond Sustainability
The concept of “regenerative organic,” introduced by former president and chief executive officer of Rodale Institute, Robert Rodale, represents a dramatic shift in perspective. It recognizes that organic farming systems that focus on soil health, animal welfare and social fairness do more than merely maintain resources—they actively improve them. Farming practices that enrich soil biodiversity, water retention, and crop resilience are critical for certified organic farmers, who are legally prohibited from using synthetic inputs to provide plant nutrients and combat crop pests and disease. Farming practices that are foundational to organic agriculture include cover cropping, increasing plant diversity through crop rotations, and using natural sources of plant fertility, like compost and manure. Partnering with General Mills enables Rodale Institute to bring these practices to more farmers, communities, and regions.
Their collaborative efforts extend beyond benefiting farmers and the environment – they directly address the demands of consumers who seek organic foods.
General Mills is a proud supporter of Rodale Institute’s work to drive regenerative change, making organic agriculture accessible to more growers and supporting environmentally aware customers. Together, we’re working to help ensure that farms are not only sustained for today but also revitalized for a resilient tomorrow.
Their collaborative efforts extend beyond benefiting farmers and the environment – they directly address the demands of consumers who seek organic foods.
General Mills is a proud supporter of Rodale Institute’s work to drive regenerative change, making organic agriculture accessible to more growers and supporting environmentally aware customers. Together, we’re working to help ensure that farms are not only sustained for today but also revitalized for a resilient tomorrow.