Jeff Tkach of Rodale Institute
REV On Air: Healing The World With Regenerative Organic Agriculture With Jeff Tkach of Rodale Institute
In this special podcast, Cora Hilts, our co-founder, recorded live with Jeff Tkach at Bloom Farm in Pennsylvania. Jeff talked about his job as CEO of Rodale Institute. He also talked about how regenerative agriculture and organic farming can boost human and planetary health.
“6% of all food consumed in the United States is certified organic, yet we only produce 1% of that here. So we are actually a net importer of certified organic food. This shows that we have a big chance to onshore our food system by supporting local farmers.”
– Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute
About Jeff Tkach
Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute, aims to reconnect people with the earth. He leads the organization’s growth, impact, and planning. He aims to strengthen the Institute’s renowned work in research and education on regenerative organic agriculture.
Tkach leads a global team. They focus on innovations in regenerative organic agriculture. He manages strategic planning and oversees the Institute’s twelve campuses in the U.S. and Europe. He also directs research investments and supervises the education programs.
About the Rodale Institute
Rodale Institute is a nonprofit. It focuses on advancing regenerative organic agriculture. They do this through research, training farmers, and providing education. Their cutting-edge science and support programs empower farmers. This sparks change in farming and food production all over the world. In their 78 years, they have shown that organic farming is vital for humanity’s survival.
Rodale Institute tackles a big challenge: building a resilient global food system. This system aims to boost human health and protect the environment. Their top research and great education help farms and farmers use regenerative organic practices. This shift enhances soil health and secures the world’s food supply.
“A small percentage of society know a farmer. That has to change. If we really want to be a healthy humanity we need to have relationships with people in our community that are growing healthy food. And the most nourishing, nutrient dense food is grown on regenerative organic farms in our local communities. That is going to counterbalance any chronic illness epidemic that we are seeing at mass proportions.”
– Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute
Why Regenerative Agriculture…
Profit
Farmers can earn 3-6 times more profits than farming conventionally.
Efficiency
Regenerative Agriculture uses 45% less energy than farming conventionally.
Emissions
Regenerative Agriculture releases 40% less carbon emissions than farming conventionally.
Production
Yields up to 40% more crops than conventional farming can in times of drought.
Health
Improves soil health which in turn can improve human health through what we consume.
Learn more in their Farming Systems Trial – Rodale Institute
About Bloom Farm
Bloom Farm is a Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center. It shows what regeneration can be when done on a larger scale. Visitors can also interact with their beautiful work. The farm sits on 60 acres of protected land. It’s a biodiversity haven next to a limestone ridge. They let nature guide their regenerative practices. This creates a lively ecosystem of forests, pastures, and protected waterways.
To learn more about Bloom Farm, listen to our podcast with Sam Nana Sinkam, founder of the farm.
