Rodale Institute, a non-profit organization that supports research into organic farming, has recently received funding of $3 million from Pennsylvania’s RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project) to build a new science centre.

This comes ahead of the organic research and education farm celebrating its 75th anniversary in October.

State Sen. Judy Schwank recently announced the funding at the Institute’s annual field day. She further told the people and farmers attending the field day that this new innovative facility will empower Rodale to constantly augment the global effort of adopting regenerative agriculture systems and ensuring access to organic foods.

This is indeed an investment toward the health and well-being of the community and the world’s future.

The Institute has one of the world’s most renowned centres of regenerative agriculture and science, of research, right here in the commonwealth and right here in Berks County. It has been here for a long time and it must be promoted, and Rodale has the resources required to do the work as per the vision.

The teaching stations during the field day included the Institute’s pastured hog facility, organic apple orchard, farm-scale composting, organic no-till, treatment-free beekeeping, organic consulting services, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, the U.S. Organic Grain Initiative, and eight other stops along with a self-patrolled tour navigable by foot or wagon.

Scott Sechler, President and Chairman of Bell & Evans bought the 128-year-old poultry business from the Bell family in 1986 which is now known for producing organic chickens in the U.S.

In 2021, Bell & Evans inked an elongated sourcing pact with Cargill to particularly secure its organic grain and grow domestic organic grain supply.

As per the agreement, Cargill has to incentivize the U.S. farmers to transform cultivated land to organic from convention by managing via subsidized organic crop consulting services provided by Rodale.

Source Credit – https://www.lancasterfarming.com/farming/organic/rodale-institute-gets-3m-for-new-science-center/article_feb1bbdc-0db0-11ed-9f53-7b875a0f4b99.html