But during the last century, the rise of chemical-based agriculture has dramatically changed the way we produce our food. Increasingly corporate and mechanized, today's conventional farms are saturated with artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that are engineered to reduce the burden of labor while keeping crop yields high.
However, we have failed to recognize the unintended consequences of conventional, chemical-based farming practices. Soil health degradation, loss of organic matter and erosion, as well as water pollution, toxic residues in our food supply, and lack of biodiversity- to name a few. We have also failed to recognize what is at stake.
However, we have failed to recognize the unintended consequences of conventional, chemical-based farming practices. Soil health degradation, loss of organic matter and erosion, as well as water pollution, toxic residues in our food supply, and lack of biodiversity- to name a few. We have also failed to recognize what is at stake.
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This isn't just about food. Organic is a vision for working and living in harmony with nature. The result is healthy soil, which grows healthy plants, which make for healthy people. By abstaining from synthetic inputs and encouraging natural systems, organic farmers help create a better future for people, animals, and the environment.
Organic agriculture is a production system that regenerates the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. Organic farmers rely on natural processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions rather than the use of synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. GMOs are not allowed in organic.
In order to label and sell their products as organic, farmers and food processors must undergo a certification process. In the United States, the standards for organic certification are set by the USDA. The process is backed by the National Organic Standards Board, a volunteer group of organic farmers, retailers, environmentalists, scientists, certifying agents, and consumer advocates.
Robert Rodale, J.I. Rodale's son, coined the term "regenerative organic" to distinguish a kind of farming that goes beyond sustainable. Soil health is intrinsically linked to the total health of our food system. Soil health affects everything from plant health to human wellbeing and the future of our planet.
Every time you choose organic, you vote for clean air and water, nutritious food, and resilient soil. You vote for a better, brighter future-one in which human health goes beyond measures of blood pressure and calories to encompass true well-being. In the grocery store, look for the USDA Certified Organic Seal-it's your best bet for ensuring the product was grown and produced without harmful chemicals.
Reviews (14)
Helena Hofmann
Oct 22, 2021
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Rodale Institute is located in Kutztown, PA. Rodale is the first organic farm in North America, founded in 1947. There’s so much to see and do at Rodale including Organic Apple -Fall on the Farm, Organic Halloween, Winter Open House, yearly CSA, Yoga on the Farm and so much more. The Garden Sore and Visitor’s Center carries a wide selection of books, apparel, and organic treats. It also holds annual events of spring and fall plant sales. It’s truly a treasure in Berks County. Please visit soon for an amazing experience!
Cassandra Magan
Jul 31, 2021
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Deb A.
Jul 25, 2021
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Learned a lot about composting Bec that was my first stop. The researcher explained and demonstrated the topic well
. There were a lot of good topics but I felt that it could be more organized. When I got to the other sessions, I couldn't tell if the presentation is starting or ending Bec people tend to ask questions and monopolizes their unending exchange of conversations with the presenters.
Parking was organized. Lunch tables and chairs were provided. Water was provided also
. There were a lot of good topics but I felt that it could be more organized. When I got to the other sessions, I couldn't tell if the presentation is starting or ending Bec people tend to ask questions and monopolizes their unending exchange of conversations with the presenters.
Parking was organized. Lunch tables and chairs were provided. Water was provided also
Jen
Jun 28, 2021
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Absolutely beautiful place. Word to the wise...if you're planning an event here during summer months be aware that there is no air conditioning and it makes it very hard for aging and guest that have breathing problems to enjoy themselves. I know there is no way to know how hot it will be so keep that in mind. Maybe install ceiling fans. That might have helped with the heat exhaustion your guest could face.
Edward Komito
Jun 01, 2021
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Judy S.
Apr 14, 2021
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Jacqueline Killough
Nov 01, 2020
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Zeek Lee
Nov 28, 2019
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This is a great place to develop a green thumb and to find out what you want to grow on your farm or in your garden. They also have a Organic grower certification program along with a Veteran farmer program! The certified organic grower program is a year long and the Veteran farmer program is a 2 to 4 month program that is split into two sections. Vegetable production and livestock production.
Jock Gill
Jan 30, 2019
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Great visit on a chilly Spring day. I was delighted to discover that Rodale was making biochar on site to use in their composting process. There is so much to learn here that multiple visits will be required. The grandchildren also had a great time. In many ways it reminds me of Shelburne Farms in VT. All in all, a visit to Rodale is a great experience.
Madalyn Meyers
Dec 28, 2018
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My husband and I got married here in May, and I would very highly recommend it to future brides. When planning the wedding, we wanted something different and unique. This place was so elegant and fit the bill perfectly with the rolling hills and live farm animals. There are so many places to take pictures, and the barn in itself is breathtaking without any decorations. We had the time of our life here!
John B.
Jul 18, 2018
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A great place to visit if you are interested in organic & sustainable gardening / farming. They have a small visitors center that is really a small store (in an old 1 room schoolhouse). Pick up an IPOD w/speaker or use your phone to learn about the farm / institute as you take the walking tour. The self-guided tour takes 45+ minutes, depending upon how knowledgeable and interested you are in the subject. Even if you aren't thrilled about compost and cover crops, the flowers, gardens, and animals are interesting and entertaining on their own. It is a real working farm and the tour
Kelly S.
Sep 16, 2017
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The only place I know of for organic apple picking--one day, each year. The apple festival has grown so much since we started coming several years ago. There are vendors with natural and organic products for sale, delicious food, farm made organic cider, and of course, apples. Pick them or buy them pre-picked. It's a great spot to spend the day, wonderful with kids. Don't miss the wagon ride (hay ride without hay) or the ice cream!
Luke H.
May 29, 2017
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Candi K.
Apr 10, 2011
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Just twenty minutes outside of Allentown, you can easily be at the mecca of organicness, the Rodale Institute. In addition to the bookstore & supply shop, you can take a tour (self-guided or guided, fees vary) of the farm...everything from short 1/2 mile walks to ones that might take over an hour. Several times a year, you can head out to the plant sale to start your garden...or if you need some extra help, go out for one of their workshops (normally about $25 but you get to bring home some compost or dirt with you) and pick up a book in the bookstore. Or just ask an employee for advice
