Schantz Organic Agroforestry Center
Established in 2024, Rodale Institute’s Agroforestry Center is a research and education orchard focused on organic agroforestry and integrated perennial production systems research.
Agroforestry increases the biodiversity, longevity, resilience, and overall health of a farm. Perennial fruit and nut trees and shrubs not only contribute to ecosystem services, but also introduce new revenue streams that can increase the farm’s profitability and financial stability. By researching best practices in agroforestry, Rodale Institute will be able to advise farmers on how best to integrate and manage perennial systems for human and planetary health, and promote the adoption of agroforestry in the Northeast U.S.
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees, shrubs, and other perennial species into crop or animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Agroforestry techniques have been practiced around the world for centuries, however interest in temperate agroforestry for the northeastern US has been rapidly growing in recent years as the climate-smart benefits of agroforestry practices continue to be uncovered. Agroforestry relies on the deliberate combination of trees with other crops and livestock to improve the natural processes which reduce pest and disease pressure and reduce reliance on external inputs.
Why Are We Studying Agroforestry?
There is increasing interest in agroforestry and the perennialization of cropping systems across the United States, which has generated a need for information and recommendations on best practices.
With continued research, the Organic Agroforestry Center will serve as a hub for Rodale Institute to expand and support ongoing agroforestry research at Regional Resource Centers across the country. The resources and information developed through this work will support farmers as they adopt organic agroforestry as a low-input and regenerative farming system.
Our Goals
Identify agroforestry techniques, crops, and methods which promote low input, regenerative, and organic agriculture in the Northeastern US.
Educate students, growers, and other stakeholders on organic fruit and nut production systems in the Northeast.
Utilize perennial crops and regenerative organic farming practices to reduce carbon emissions and offset the effects of climate change through carbon capture.
Provide specific management tools, resources, research, and recommendations to farmers and other stakeholders looking to adopt agroforestry practices.
Our Perennials
Research Staff
Dr. Leigh Archer
Director of Perennial Systems Research
Leigh joined the research team in October 2022 to expand Rodale’s efforts in organic orchard and agroforestry systems. To develop the perennial systems research program, Leigh is exploring fruit and nut species that can be grown in low-input systems that maximize ecosystem health and economic benefits for farmers.
Leigh earned her B.S. in Agricultural Sciences at Cornell University with a concentration in sustainable agriculture. She completed her M.S. degrees at the University of California Davis in the International Agricultural Development and Horticulture & Agronomy departments and earned her Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida with a focus on citrus tree physiology.
Rodale Institute
Honor Orchard
Sponsoring a tree in Rodale Institute’s main campus Honor Orchard is the perfect way to honor a colleague, friend or loved one while supporting the vital work the Institute does each day.
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