On February 7, 2022, a leading supplement and regenerative agriculture brand, Ancient Nutrition, entered into a scientific research partnership with Pennsylvania-based Rodale Institute, the non-profit that pioneered the modern regenerative organic movement (first documented in the groundbreaking 2002 book, The Restoration Economy).
This partnership will advance Ancient Nutrition’s efforts to heal the planet through agricultural transformation.
“This partnership with Rodale Institute is a dream come true. I owe much of my natural health lineage to the groundbreaking work of founder J.I. Rodale. Ancient Nutrition and our mission to save the world with superfoods is built upon our desire to lead the revolution of regeneration in body, mind and planet,” said co-founder and CEO of Ancient Nutrition, Jordan Rubin.
“The only hope we have for a healthy future lies in our farming practices. We need a transformation of agricultural production, and an evolution of the industry that can have a significant impact on the future of climate health. We could not be more thrilled to have Rodale Institute as our partner in helping to lead the revolution, for good,” he added.
Beginning in 2022, Ancient Nutrition will dedicate one percent of annual revenue and begin the first stage of a 14-year project to objectively study methods to revolutionize environmental regeneration and healthy food production through carbon sequestration, water conservation, and soil microbiome diversity and viability.
Ancient Nutrition will be directing the transition to regenerative agricultural efforts on 4,000+ certified organic acres across two farms in Tennessee and Missouri through their R.A.N.C.H. Project, and will collaborate with the research scientists at Rodale Institute on data collection and analysis.
In collaboration with Rodale Institute’s scientific team, Ancient Nutrition will measure and document the following:
- Soil health improvements
- Carbon sequestration/drawdown per acre
- Topsoil depth
- Soil organic matter
- Water infiltration
- Micronutrient testing
- Microbial analysis
- Livestock carrying capacity
- Livestock health
- Ecological diversity in species of pasture, birds, animals, insects, and microbes
- Perennial plant production
Rodale Institute was founded in 1947 and has become a global leader in the regenerative organic agriculture movement through research, farmer training, and consumer education.
“At our core, we believe that Rodale Institute is a human health organization,” said Jeff Tkach, Rodale Institute Chief Impact Officer.
“This partnership with Ancient Nutrition offers us an opportunity to educate consumers that the way we grow our agricultural products impacts our own health and the health of the planet. We’re proud to work alongside such a well-respected brand in the wellness industry to bring this story to life while grounding the story in science,” he continued.
In addition to the ongoing research project, Ancient Nutrition is working with Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting Service to transition a portion of their land to Regenerative Organic Certified™, the highest standard in regenerative organic agriculture.