Rodale’s headquarters—a 333-acre farm with research facilities—are located fewer than six miles away from Kutztown University.
The agreement provides KU students and faculty the opportunity to partner with Rodale Institute personnel and researchers from around the world on field research in the areas of soil health and regenerative organic farming practices such as pest management, composting, pollinators, and more. Internship opportunities will also be available for students.
Related: Perspectives: How Farming Changed One Woman’s Life Perspectives: Cutting Down on Degrees of Separation with Rodale Institute Perspectives: How Organic Changed One Farmer’s Land
"I'm honored to sign this agreement today with one of the premier research organizations in the world," said Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, KU President, in the press release. "This is a great opportunity to market Kutztown University's new track in regenerative organic agriculture, among our many programmatic areas. One of the greatest benefits from this collaboration are the mutual networking opportunities we will have to educate our audiences about the mission of our organizations."KU’s academic offerings include biology, chemistry, environmental science, and a track in regenerative organic agriculture. Students and faculty in these areas will have access to Rodale Institute’s research facility, including field laboratories, in-house laboratories, cropping, and livestock areas.
"Rodale Institute and Kutztown University are neighbors and logical partners in this endeavor to launch the first regenerative organic educational tract in the world," said Jeff Tkach, Chief Impact Officer for Rodale Institute, in the press release. "We are backed by a state government and Department of Agriculture that is investing in the future of regenerative organic farming. Together, we will continue to position Pennsylvania as the leader in organic agriculture and a center of innovation and education for the next generation of farmers and food entrepreneurs. As an alumnus of Kutztown University, I am thrilled to see this partnership come to fruition and look forward to building upon our momentum for years to come."
