What they do
Rodale Institute has conducted organic farming research for over 75 years in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Their Farming Systems Trial (FST), running since 1981, is the longest-running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional farming in North America. They also run farmer training programs, provide organic transition consulting, and operate the Organic Consulting Service for farmers switching from conventional.
Why they matter
The Farming Systems Trial data is the backbone of the organic agriculture argument. After 40+ years, the trial shows organic systems matching conventional yields after a 3-year transition period, with 30% lower energy requirements, 45% lower greenhouse gas emissions, and significantly better soil health metrics. This is not short-term study data. It is multi-decade evidence from the same plots, eliminating the variability that plagues shorter trials.
How to support
Visit the institute's research farm in Kutztown, PA for tours and workshops. Their Organic Consulting Service helps farmers plan and execute organic transitions with technical support. Donations fund ongoing Farming Systems Trial research and farmer training.
Key project to explore
The Farming Systems Trial (running since 1981) provides the longest continuous dataset comparing organic and conventional farming systems, with 40+ years of soil health, yield, profitability, and carbon sequestration data.