Natural Grocers Works To Raise Awareness Of Regenerative Organic Agricultural Movement
Natural Grocers is teaming with Rodale Institute to raise funds and awareness about the growing regenerative organic agricultural movement.
During Organic Month, shoppers at Natural Grocers will have an opportunity to support the retailer's goal of raising $100,000 for Rodale Institute with donations at the register and a portion of proceeds from the sales of themed reusable shopping bags. Additionally, Natural Grocers will focus its monthly community educational efforts, discounts, recipes, and giveaways on the organic food movement and regenerative agriculture.
"We are thrilled to partner with Rodale Institute," said Raquel Isely, vice president of Marketing at Natural Grocers. "This highly esteemed organization has been putting science behind the best practices in organic agriculture for more than 75 years, proving that healthy soil leads to healthy food, healthy people, and a healthier planet. Its groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide."
In the United States, organic sales have topped nearly $70 billion annually, and continue to grow. Yet less than 1% of U.S. cropland is certified organic.
"We have a need for more organic farmers, from beginners to seasoned professionals,” said Annie Brown, vice president of Development at Rodale Institute. “Today, there are six times as many farmers over the age of 65 as under 35. The time is now to invest in the future of organic agriculture.”
Annually, Rodale Institute welcomes a select group of students to its headquarters to train for careers in regenerative organic agriculture. Farmer trainees focus on cultivating agricultural skills both in the classroom and in the fields.
The Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) and Veteran Farmer Training (VFT) programs are highly immersive, full-time programs that allow a diverse group of students- including first-generation farmers- to begin a career in regenerative organic crop and vegetable production. RIFT and VFT students learn financial skills, soil science, digital marketing, and botany, coupled with hands-in-the-soil applications, learning on a world-renowned experimental farm.
