RODALE INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES THE HIRSHBERG RESEARCH ENDOWMENT FUND FOR CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
Gift Will Provide First Step in Innovation and Education Hub at the World’s Leading Research Institute on Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Kutztown, Pa. – February 3, 2026 – Today, Rodale Institute announced a new fund known as The Hirshberg Research Endowment Fund, started generously by Gary Hirshberg, former CEO and co-Founder of Stonyfield Farm and founder of Organic Voices, and his family.
The Hirshberg Research Endowment Fund will give donors an opportunity to provide Rodale Institute with a permanent asset that will support the salary and annual research expenses of the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) into perpetuity. The Chief Scientific Officer will provide strategic oversight of research priorities, innovation pipelines, and scientific integrity. Endowing the role and providing an operating expense stipend will empower the CSO to lead transformative initiatives, mentor emerging scientists, and shape the organization’s scientific vision. The Hirshberg Family’s legacy investment will be a transformative milestone as the initial seed investment for the fund.
“This is the first step to building a Farm for the Future—a hub of innovation, education, and community-led change,” said Hirshberg. “We are inviting leaders in the organic industry to join us in our fundraising efforts to ensure the regenerative agriculture movement has the research it needs for farms to thrive and to create a leadership legacy of regenerative organic agriculture in this country.”
“Gary and the Hirshberg family have believed in the mission of Rodale Institute for decades, and we are incredibly grateful for this generous gift of invaluable support,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. “As the country’s leading agricultural research nonprofit, Rodale Institute advances world-class scientific research, trains the next generation of farmers and inspectors, and guides the transition of farmland and global supply chain operators. Our important work enables farmers to transition to regenerative organic agricultural practices more easily, creating healthy soil, healthy people, and a healthy planet. And this doesn’t happen without the vital contributions like those of The Hirshberg Research Fund.”
Learn more about the opportunity to support the Hirshberg Research Endowment Fund by contacting RIdevelopment@rodaleinstitute.org.
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. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2025, the Institute’s groundbreaking science and direct farmer support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 78-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable but essential to humanity’s survival.
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