Natural Grocers Announces Partnership with Rodale Institute to Help Grow Regenerative Organic Agriculture Movement

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Natural Grocers, known as the nation's Organic Headquarters, announced a new partnership with Rodale Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing 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. Additionally, Natural Grocers will focus its monthly community educational efforts, discounts, recipes and giveaways on the organic food movement and regenerative agriculture.

"We are thrilled to partner with Rodale Institute," said Raquel Isely, vice president of marketing at Natural Grocers. "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. 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% of U.S. cropland is certified organic. Annie Brown, vice president of development at Rodale Institute, said, "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. 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."

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

The Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) and Veteran Farmer Training (VFT) programs are immersive, full-time programs that 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 an 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 healthy, regenerative organic food and run a successful business. 

Throughout September, customers can join Natural Grocers in directly 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.