Natural Grocers says it is partnering with Rodale Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agricultural movement through research, farmer training and education.
During Organic Month, customers will have an opportunity to support the retailer's goal of raising $100,000 for Rodale Institute with donations at the register and a portion of proceeds from the sales of themed reusable shopping bags, according to a news release. Additionally, Natural Grocers said it will focus its monthly community educational efforts, discounts, recipes and giveaways on the organic food movement and regenerative agriculture.
Natural Grocers says it has been providing quality organic and natural products to communities since it was established in 1955. All stores are certified organic food handlers and are inspected annually by an organic certifying agency to ensure they are only using organic-approved processes and cleaning products, according to the release. The certification, plus the retailer's commitment to selling only 100% certified organic produce, helps to ensure its integrity from farm to basket to table, the company said.
Natural Grocers continues its quest to be a national industry model for organic advocacy with its products, customer education and strategic partnerships, according to the release.
"We are thrilled to partner with Rodale Institute," said Raquel Isely, vice president of marketing for Natural Grocers. "This highly esteemed organization has been putting science behind the best practices in organic agriculture for more than 75 years, proving that healthy soil leads to healthy food, healthy people and a healthier planet. Its groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. We couldn't be more pleased to dedicate this year's Organic Month Fundraiser Campaign to Rodale Institute, the leading voice in developing solutions for the regenerative organic movement."
Organic sales
In the U.S., organic sales have topped nearly $70 billion annually and continue to grow — yet less than 1% of U.S. cropland is certified organic, the release said."We have a need for more organic farmers, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Today, there are six times as many farmers over 65 as under 35," said Annie Brown, vice president of development for Rodale Institute. "The time is now to invest in the future of organic agriculture. That's why Rodale Institute is helping farmers transition to organic and training the next generation of organic leaders. We're excited to have the support of Natural Grocers and their passionate customers to help further this effort."
Farmer training programs
Every year, Rodale Institute welcomes a select group of students to its headquarters to train for careers in regenerative organic agriculture, the release said. Farmer trainees focus on cultivating agricultural skills both in the classroom and in the fields.The Rodale Institute Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training programs are immersive, full-time programs that allow a diverse group of students — including first-generation farmers — to begin a career in regenerative organic crop and vegetable production. RIFT and VFT students learn financial skills, soil science, digital marketing and botany, coupled with hands-in-the-soil applications, learning on an experimental farm. RIFT and VFT students work alongside Rodale Institute master trainers to grow organic produce for Rodale Institute's farm shares and farmers markets, learning how to process and distribute healthy, regenerative organic food and run a successful business.
Fundraiser
Throughout September, customers can join Natural Grocers in directly contributing to Rodale Institute's Farmer Training programs and support the next generation of regenerative organic farmers. Natural Grocers says it aims to raise $100,000 by Sept. 30 with the following in-store fundraising opportunities:- Natural Grocers will donate $1 to Rodale Institute for every limited-edition Organic Month reusable shopping bag sold (retail $1.99).
- For every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold (retail $2.99), Natural Grocers will donate $2 to Rodale Institute.
- Customers will have the opportunity to make contributions to Rodale Institute ($1, $5 or $10) upon checkout at any one of Natural Grocers' 169 store locations nationwide.
Natural Grocers will offer savings from Sept. 6-28 on products that reflect the company's commitment to organic practices, according to the release. Free samples, additional savings and giveaways will be offered from Sept. 12-14, including savings of up to 55% storewide for all customers.
Customers can learn more about the retailer's Organic Month celebration by picking up the September edition (Vol. 86) of the Good4u Health Hotline at Natural Grocers stores or at naturalgrocers.com.