What it is
The Rodale Institute, America's oldest organic farming research institution (founded 1947), developed the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) as the highest standard for organic agriculture. ROC goes beyond USDA Organic by requiring soil health improvement, animal welfare standards, and social fairness criteria. The institute also provides free transition guides, research papers, and training for farmers moving from conventional to regenerative organic.
Why we picked this
USDA Organic certification was a starting point, not the finish line. ROC raises the bar by requiring measurable soil health improvement over time, not just the absence of synthetic inputs. For farmers and consumers who want organic that actually regenerates rather than simply sustains, Rodale's framework is the gold standard.
Key takeaways
- ROC requires demonstrable soil health improvement over time, measured through biological indicators, not just compliance with input restrictions.
- Rodale's 40-year Farming Systems Trial is the longest-running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional farming in North America.
- The certification includes social fairness requirements (living wages, safe working conditions), addressing the labor exploitation common in industrial agriculture.