Exploring the Roots of Organic Farming: COTA’s visit to Rodale Institute  

By Sophie Marvell

I have been on my organic journey for 3 years now and I am constantly learning everywhere I can to deepen my organic knowledge. If you have not connected with me before now, I am Sophie Marvell, the Senior Communications Coordinator here at the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA). My organic journey started working at a grocery store in a small town in South-Western Ontario, to now working with the organic industry as the Senior Communications specialist at COTA. I have been fortunate to constantly learn and grow in my career with COTA and wanted to share my takeaways from our recent team field trip to the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. 

On July 10-11th, the COTA team was invited to visit the Rodale Institute and learn about J.I. Rodale and family’s pioneering work on organic science and their trailblazing research institute which helped pave the way for organic regulations in the USA.  

COTA is always thrilled to deepen our relationship with partners, like Rodale, around the globe. COTA’s connections with other organizations are a big part of moving the sector forward as we connect and exchange with like-minded partners on spreading the organic message.  

During the 6.5 drive to the Rodale Institute from Ottawa, the COTA team dreamed up what we wanted to take away from the experience. Once we arrived, we met many team members of the Rodale Institute, each with their own background and love for organic and Rodale. We were lucky enough to get a guided tour of the Founder’s Farm campus where J.I. Rodale and his family lived. It was 14 acres of whimsical organic gardens, an outdoor kitchen, a brick chicken coop, and small garden plots. It felt like we stepped into a different century as everything was perfectly preserved and truly highlighted the personality and essence of the Rodale family throughout several generations. The COTA team could feel the family’s passion for organic farming and food during our stay on the family’s grounds.  

The next day, COTA was welcomed to the Rodale Institute which included 400 acres of organic scientific research. We were thrilled to get a guided tour which included visiting the 70 plots involved in the 45-year farm systems trial, greenhouses, the hog barn and fields, as well as the fruit tree forest and of course, the gift shop. Being able to learn about the research conducted on organic production systems vs. non-organic production was not only inspiring but allowed professional growth for the team. As J.I. Rodale’s goal was to prove with science-backed research the benefits of organic farming methods, it is encouraging to see how organic research has made significant strides and the scientific evidence is becoming much more robust.  

Some key takeaways from COTA’s visit to Rodale:

• The Rodale Campus is a living laboratory – with everything on the farm actively being used for research. There are 9 regional farm research sites sprinkled across the country to account for climatic variation in their research. 
• There are many reasons to choose organic, but for the founders of the Rodale Institute, there has always been a particular interest in proving organic’s benefits for human health. Rodale’s vegetable nutrient density farming systems trial and their upcoming Regenerative Health Conference in September will bring exciting new evidence to the forefront. 

• The Rodale Institute research served as the catalyst for USDA supporting the organic movement. Their research helped with the justification of USDA NOP and the standard. The foresight of the 45-year Farming Systems Trial is incredible.  

• Using research helps people understand that if the focus of farming goes back to biology instead of chemistry, this can help people optimize their health through food. There is a link to be made between healthy soil, food and people. 

The COTA team extends our sincere gratitude for the time spent at Rodale and the opportunity to deepen our connection to organic scientific research. As it was my first visit to an organic research farm, I was truly impressed by the dedication and innovation present throughout the farm. This experience has significantly enhanced my appreciation for organic research and has drawn me closer to the values and principles that define the organic movement. 

About the Author: Sophie Marvell is the Senior Communications Coordinator at the Canada Organic Trade Association. Sophie started her work with COTA in May 2021 where she has participated in numerous initiatives that support organic advocacy including Organic Month, the national consumer celebration of organic.