In this special two-part series, Shana sat down with Diana Martin. Diana is the Director of Communications & Marketing at the Rodale Institute. Since beginning her role at Rodale Institute, Diana career achievements include starting Organic Farmers Association (focused on representing organic farmers on policy issues in DC), launching the Regenerative Organic Certification with other partners, expanding Rodale Institute to 7 locations in 4 states, beginning a new longterm research trial & consumer education on farming and clean water, and helping to create Rodale Institute’s farmer consulting program. Diana is also a tenth generation Lancaster Countian, an area with rich farmland that is a hot spot for organic agriculture in Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Shana and Diana dive into what is the Rodale Institute. Rodale is a nonprofit located outside of Kutztown, PA. Together they discussed the ins and outs of the organization, from how the institute got its start with J.I. Rodale to the vital research they are currently conducting. Rodale's research focuses on areas like no-till organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and more! They are also committed to growing the organic movement through farmer training and consumer education. Rodale has been called the founders of the modern organic farming movement in the United States and is widely considered the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture. Despite Rodale's significant impact on the organic and regenerative farming movements, the institute remains largely unknown. The Rodale Institute has been researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing findings with farmers, scientists, and consumers throughout the world since 1947. Learn more about this amazing organization at RodaleInstitute.org. You can also follow Rodale on Facebook and Instagram. To follow all the latest developments you can sign up for Rodale's Newsletter on their website. Tune in next week for the second half of our discussion.