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Hello: As climate scientists increase their calls for action, the world is looking for “something to do” to fight global warming. We believe nothing can be as effective, as quick, as beneficial or as synergistic of other sustainable development as jump-starting organic farming wherever crops are grown.
We’re seeing the impact of this potential in many ways. In our own state, the Institute’s collaboration to advance Pennsylvania’s new PATH to Organic program put our decades of organic farming research into public service in a powerful way. Our state department of agriculture will invest $500,000 in supporting 15 to 20 farmers to convert to certified organic status. Farmers will be involved in carefully monitoring carbon that their crops sequester (store) in their soil from organic practices, providing on-farm answers on how best to apply organic principles to different parts of the Keystone State. Read more >>
Our good fortune to host Vandana Shiva at the Institute recently highlights the great hope we share with her. Shiva’s experience in India and ours in the U.S. shows that research-based organic systems can have a tremendous global impact for the climate, for communities and for all ecological democracy of all citizens. Read more >>
Time is now: We’re in a critical phase of learning how to reconstruct our economy in a way that builds real wealth for the common good. Regenerative agriculture is a central part of that future. We see it engaging young people like never before. The urgent, positive pull to invest in sustainable vocations is what Oakland, California, Mayor Ron Dellums, 74, spoke of this week as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a $10-million Green Corps effort for at-risk young adults.
Think about these young people who are now training in this area as the astronauts of the green revolution.… You are the ones who will stand there as the first people in the battle to reclaim this planet. And my generation made the mistake of thinking that we had time. Your generation cannot make that mistake; time is not on your side and so here's a program that will allow us to go forward.
This update:
Climate change impacts are coming faster and hitting harder than expected, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said recently…
Conventional no-till planting saves soil, but is not always effective at storing carbon…
The first greens of spring may be edible, just like many native plants that we sometimes call weeds that deserve a second look—and maybe a trip to your kitchen.
More juice: As a non-profit in a time of great challenge for our mission, we count on supporters who are determined to stand with us to strengthen our clear leadership on sane, economically effective and sustainable ways to fight global warming. We’ve made it easier to donate here.
For the planet,
Greg Bowman at the Rodale Institute
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