Nutrition Starts in the Soil: Why We’re Partnering with Rodale Institute

Nutrition begins in the soil. Over time, the health of our soil influences the quality of the food we grow, and ultimately the nutrients we consume. For 15 years we have been focused on what true quality means, and the clearer one thing has become: product integrity starts long before formulation.

This is why we’re proud to partner with the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit research institute with more than 75 years of leadership in organic and regenerative organic agriculture research. Rodale Institute co-founded Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), a leading certification that builds upon USDA Organic standards, and works directly with farmers to provide hands-on technical assistance, guiding them through the practices, documentation, and transition strategies needed to successfully achieve certification. Our work together will support select U.S. farmers transitioning toward USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certification and will support key research and efforts to rebuild soil health, protect nutrient density, and strengthen the long-term resilience of our food system.

Soil Health and Nutrition

Over the past 70 years, key research suggests the nutrient content of fruits and vegetables has declined. A 2003 analysis by Thomas examining UK food composition data from 1940 to 1991 found significant mineral declines in commonly consumed foods.¹ A 2004 study by Davis and colleagues analyzing USDA data for 43 garden crops between 1950 and 1999 documented reductions in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C.² In some cases, nutrient levels fell by up to 50%.

Multiple factors contribute to this shift including decades of intensive farming practices that have reduced soil organic matter. When soil is depleted, plants and crops may still grow, but their nutritional profile suffers. This raises important questions about how farming practices influence the nutritional quality of the foods we eat. If we want to protect product integrity and nutrient density, we have to look upstream.

Regenerative organic agriculture focuses on rebuilding soil health through practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and compost application. These methods aim to restore soil organic matter, enhance biodiversity, and create more resilient farming systems. Our commitment to science means understanding our impact on the planet, and recognizing the close relationship between planetary health and human health.

AG1 & Rodale Institute

“At Rodale Institute, we believe regenerative organic agriculture is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore soil health, improve human health, and strengthen farming communities. Partnering with AG1 brings together research and mission-driven leadership to support that vision. By supporting critical research and real-world implementation, we’re excited to expand awareness of regenerative systems and why they matter.” – Jeff Tkach, CEO, Rodale Institute

As part of our commitment AG1 will fund technical support for at least three U.S. farmers transitioning toward USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certification. These farmers represent the multitude of farmers and individuals working to shift the way consumers perceive and experience their food system in an effort to help build stronger and healthier communities.

FarmerJawn (Pennsylvania)

Christa Barfield and her team are in the process of transitioning the 128-acre FarmerJawn property to simultaneously achieve USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certification while implementing regenerative practices designed to rebuild soil health and strengthen long-term farm resilience. Through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and storefronts in the Philadelphia region, FarmerJawn distributes fresh produce with a focus on increasing access to nutritious food in historically underserved communities. Learn more at https://www.farmerjawn.co/.

Microledon Farms (South Carolina)

Oscar Chavez is expanding Microledon Farms from its roots in urban farming into larger-scale field production, while continuing to manage two farmers markets, a CSA program, and restaurant partnerships. In addition to growing food, he leads education initiatives that teach the next generation about sustainable agriculture and the importance of responsible farming practices. Learn more at https://www.microledonfarm.com/.

Lower Neshanic Community Farm (New Jersey)

Megan Barnwell is the owner of LNCF, a 16-acre regenerative permaculture farm in Ringoes, New Jersey. Since 2018, she has grown crops like wheatgrass, spinach, and broccoli while supporting a 200+ member CSA and farmers market. Guided by a mission of Soil, Succession, and Service, LNCF focuses on soil health, food justice, and community education through hands-on programs and creative programming that includes on-farm events and agrotourism projects. Learn more at https://www.lowerneshanic.com/.

With the Rodale Institute’s support, these farmers will implement regenerative organic practices and work toward Regenerative Organic Certification.

Our Long-Term Commitment

We believe the future of nutrition depends on supporting the health of the systems that produce it. That means looking beyond finished products and taking actions that support the soil, the science, and the farmers at the beginning of the supply chain. This is year one of an ongoing commitment. We’ll share updates on the farmers’ progress, soil health metrics, and lessons learned along the way.