Building on the success of its Organic Consulting Service launched in 2019, the Kutztown-based Rodale Institute has launched the Rodale Institute Certified Advisor program, a new accreditation that builds a network of local, trusted agricultural service providers backed by Rodale Institute’s expertise.  

Under the management of Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting team, Rodale Institute Certified Advisors (RICA) will meet with current and prospective organic farmers to utilize local knowledge, community, and trust to help increase organic acreage across the country.

These advisors will be backed by nearly 75 years of research and farmer training from Rodale Institute, as well as the world-renowned reputation of the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture.

“The Rodale Institute Certified Advisor program is a perfect opportunity for farmers, extension agents, or anyone with agricultural expertise to get involved with helping farmers on the ground,” said Sam Malriat, Director of Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting Service. “Not only does this program allow Rodale Institute to expand our services to more farmers across the country, but it also helps foster trust by building on the knowledge that many farmers may already have of Rodale Institute as an institution.”

The first pilot cohort of Rodale Institute Certified Advisors began the process in late 2021.

To become certified, participants must submit an application to Rodale Institute that includes their experience and expertise. Prospective Advisors must then complete a training course through Rodale Institute’s Virtual Campus and complete an exam.

Once approved, Certified Advisors will be matched with Rodale Institute Organic Consulting Service clients based on geographical region and needs.

PA Organic Consulting Service

Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting Service was launched in 2019 through support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Designed as a one-on-one mentorship model, Rodale Institute consultants meet with farmers interested in transitioning some or all of their land to organic or regenerative organic management to create an individualized plan.

This Service has expanded to include more than 10 consultants in 6 states, with over 300 farmer clients in under two years of operation.

“We’ve been so excited about the response that we’ve received to our Consulting Service, and we’re excited to expand access to transitioning resources through the RICA program,” said Emily Gantz, Rodale Institute Organic Consulting Service Program Manager. “As our client base grew, we realized that we were missing regional knowledge and a diversity of backgrounds that really allows us to build one-on-one support for farmers. By empowering Certified Advisors to bring the research of Rodale Institute to their communities, we are widening the impact of this work.”

Rodale Institute Certified Advisors will be qualified to advise farmers on topics such as certification assistance, crop rotation planning, recordkeeping, market discovery, soil analysis, and much more.

Rodale Institute’s Certified Advisor exam will be offered through the Rodale Institute Virtual Campus, which also offers a variety of on-demand courses including “Transition to Certified Organic” and “Being a Regenerative Consumer.”

Funding for the Rodale Institute Certified Advisor program is provided by the Hearst Foundations.

For more information about the program, visit the Rodale Institute Certified Advisor program webpage.  Click Here to watch a short video about the program.

For more information on programs, initiatives, research, assistance available to farmers, and upcoming events, visit the Rodale Institute website. Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Check out their YouTube Channel.

[Posted: January 5, 2022]

1/10/2022