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Rodale CEO urges House Ag Committee to Give Farmers More Choice in Methods 

Sep 19, 2022

Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer was well-received by Republican and Democratic lawmakers at a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on Wednesday as he provided expert testimony on soil health practices that support regenerative organic agriculture, America’s farming families, and U.S. food independence. 

Kutztown, PA — At a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing last week, Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer urged lawmakers to improve the regulatory environment for farmers so agricultural practices that improve soil health, enable American farming families to be more economically secure, and put the U.S. on a path to food independence are encouraged and supported by the federal government.

“Farmers and ranchers are the original environmentalists and have adopted proven conservation practices to encourage soil health and other environmental benefits,” said Committee Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.).

Moyer, who is a Pennsylvanian farmer with over 45 years of experience in the agricultural sector, recommended federal support for the regenerative organic agriculture model because of the system’s reliability, resiliency, and independence from foreign-produced commodities, like Russian-made synthetic fertilizer.

“If you’re looking for an agricultural method that increases farm profitability, is regenerative,

better for the environment, and produces healthier food for Americans, then all you need to do is look under your feet. Regenerative organic agriculture, which prioritizes soil health, accomplishes all of that,” said Moyer. “It doesn’t matter what kind of tractor a farmer drives or what kind of crops they plant, all farms can benefit from regenerative organic practices.”

Moyer, a well-known American farming innovator and thought leader, conceptualized and popularized a Rodale Institute-invented tractor attachment called the “roller crimper.” It is a vital tool that has been adopted by conventional and organic farmers as it reduces soil erosion, improves soil health, and increases biodiversity.

“Regenerative agriculture can be incorporated into any farming operation and be far better for your bottom line,” said Rick Clark, an Indiana farmer who provided expert testimony at the hearing. Clark is also the co-leader of Regenerate America, a coalition of farmers, landowners, nonprofits, companies, and people that advocate for regenerative agriculture.

“Our witnesses today provided us with valuable insight to help us better understand the conservation and economic benefits of soil health practices and how they may support various approaches to regenerative agriculture, in addition to the role that healthy soil can play in reduced climate risk,” said Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.).

The hearing, titled “Soil Health Practices and Programs that Support Regenerative Organic Agriculture,” focused on “existing practices and programs that support producers as they protect and improve the health of the soil.”


ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE: Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. The Institute’s groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 75-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable, but essential to mankind’s survival.

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