Natural Grocers Begins Organic Ag Partnership With Rodale Institute

Natural Grocers has begun a new partnership with Rodale Institute, a nonprofit that grows the regenerative organic agricultural movement through research, farmer training and education.

During Organic Month, customers 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. In addition, Natural Grocers will focus its monthly community educational efforts, discounts, recipes and giveaways on the organic food movement and regenerative agriculture.

Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers, hailed the partnership.

“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,” she said. “Its groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. We couldn’t be more pleased to dedicate this year’s Organic Month Fundraiser Campaign to Rodale Institute, the leading voice in developing solutions for the regenerative organic movement.”

In the United States, organic sales have topped nearly $70 billion annually and continue to grow. Yet less than 1 percent of U.S. cropland is certified organic.

“We have a need for more organic farmers, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Today, there are six times as many farmers over 65 as under 35,” said Annie Brown, VP of development at Rodale Institute. “The time is now to invest in the future of organic agriculture. That’s why Rodale Institute is helping farmers transition to organic and training the next generation of organic leaders. We’re excited to have the support of Natural Grocers and their passionate customers to help further this effort.”

Farmer training programs

Every year, Rodale Institute invites a select group of students to its headquarters to train for careers in regenerative organic agriculture. Farmer trainees focus on developing agricultural skills in the classroom and in the fields.

The Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) and Veteran Farmer Training (VFT) programs are immersive, full-time programs which 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.

RIFT and VFT students work alongside Rodale Institute master trainers to grow organic produce for Rodale Institute’s farm shares and farmers markets, learning how to process and distribute regenerative organic food and run a business.

Rodale Institute fundraiser

Throughout September, customers can join Natural Grocers in contributing to Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training programs and support the next generation of regenerative organic farmers. Natural Grocers aims to raise $100,000 by Sept. 30 with the following in-store fundraising opportunities:

• Natural Grocers will donate $1 to Rodale Institute for every limited-edition Organic Month reusable shopping bag sold (retail $1.99).
• For every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold (retail $2.99), Natural Grocers will donate $2 to Rodale Institute.
• Customers will have the opportunity to make contributions to Rodale Institute ($1, $5 or $10) upon checkout at any one of Natural Grocers’ 169 store locations nationwide.

Organic savings

Natural Grocers offers savings through Sept. 28 on products that reflect the company’s commitment to organic practices. Free samples, additional savings and giveaways will be offered Sept. 12-14, including savings of up to 55 percent, storewide for all customers.

Customers can learn more about the retailer’s Organic Month celebration by picking up the September edition (Vol. 86) of the good4u Health Hotline.