“We're at a unique time in human history where we see massive disconnection from where our food comes from and how it's produced. But we're at a moment where we're ready to reconnect to that source. The closer we cut down on the degrees of separation in how we interact with food, the healthier we're going to become as a society.” 

-Jeff Tkach

Jerome Irving Rodale, founder of the Rodale Institute, coined the term organic and was also an early advocate of sustainable agriculture in the United States.  Even after his death in 1971, the Rodale Institute, in rural Pennsylvania, continues to be powered by the passion of its founding father, a global leader of the regenerative organic farming movement.  

 

Since the beginning of man’s history, organic farming has been employed using natural practices such as composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, and intercropping. As opposed to the synthetics used in conventional farming, these methods ensure optimum soil health and robust crops, which benefit humans and the environment.  In this episode, Justine talks with Rodale Institute’s Chief Impact Officer, Jeff Tkach.  Jeff explores the history of the Rodale Institute and organic farming.  He also discusses the incredible power of soil health, healthy food- and the importance of knowing where and how our food is grown.   

 

This year, Rodale Institute launched a virtual campus, which serves as an educational platform focused on regenerative organic agriculture. The courses are open to researchers, farmers, and the public. One of the courses focuses on transitioning to be CERTIFIED Organic based on USDA Standards.  Although this is a big leap for the food system, many small business owners and farmers still hesitate because of the lack of support and resources.  Jeff shares how Rodale can help interested parties get a free service consultancy.

 

Sustainable practices are meaningless if there is nothing left to sustain. This starts with each person participating to nurture the soil while we have yet the opportunity to do so. Take control over your well-being; farm your body back to health!

 

 

Connect with Jeff:  

Jeff Tkach serves as the Chief Impact Officer for the Rodale Institute, where he is responsible for expanding the institute’s global influence in healing people and the planet by unlocking the transformational power of regenerative organic agriculture.

As Chief Impact Officer, Jeff leads the development and execution of the Institute’s core strategies, overseeing opportunities for partnership and co-investment that drive positive outcomes for Rodale’s philanthropic and programmatic initiatives.

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Episode Highlights:

01:05 The Power of Food

07:47 The Physiological System 

11:38 Rodale Institute

15:54 Soil Health and Human Health

21:17 Regenerative Agriculture and Organic Foods

24:17 Get Your Organics Certified

29:53 Help for Farmers Transitioning to Organic

34:46 Create Yourself a Backyard Wonderland!