Science
We’ve been putting science behind best practices in organic agriculture for more than 70 years.
Our mission is to conduct rigorous research designed to help us uncover the most effective, efficient, and regenerative farming practices. Shared with farmers and consumers worldwide, our research acts as a catalyst for change in food systems around the globe.
From our 40-year-old Farming Systems Trial—the longest-running side-by-side comparison of grain cropping systems in America—to new and exciting research on industrial hemp, we continue to develop best practices for farmers that are grounded in practical data.
Research Areas of Focus
1. 
Growing organic agriculture by helping farmers fight pests, disease and weeds without synthetic chemicals, and helping farmers transition from conventional to organic methods
2. 
Mitigating and adapting to climate change with resilient farming systems
3. 
Solving food insecurity by growing nutrient-dense foods
Trials
Take a closer look at our groundbreaking research, including the Farming Systems Trial, Vegetable Systems Trial, Watershed Impact Trial, and experiments with industrial hemp.
Farming Systems Trial
Rodale Institute’s Farming Systems Trial, the oldest side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems in North America, is evidence that organic can compete with—and outperform—conventional agriculture.
Learn More About FSTVegetable Systems Trial
The Vegetable Systems Trial, designed to compare the nutrient density between vegetable crops grown organically and conventionally under controlled conditions, is the first of its kind.
Learn More About VSTWatershed Impact Trial
In partnership with Stroud Water Research Center, we are investigating the effects of organic and conventional farming methods on one of our most precious resources: water.
Learn More About the Watershed TrialIndustrial Hemp Trial
Our groundbreaking research on industrial hemp explores this versatile crop’s potential to heal soil and support American farmers as a cash and cover crop.
Learn More About the Hemp TrialPastured Pork
Nearly all commercial hogs are raised in confinement, and we think that should change. Our research investigates best practices for raising hogs healthily and humanely on pasture.
Learn more about pastured porkCrop Livestock Integration
Researchers at Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota, and Rodale Institute conducted a four-year project to evaluate the production, environmental, and economic benefits of growing cash crops with forage crops for grazing.
learn more about our crop livestock integration studyAdditional Research
In addition to our long-term trials, we constantly investigate topics including nutrient management, improved techniques for composting, soil carbon accrual, pest and disease prevention, and more.
Browse Research Updates