True Grace has announced a new program in partnership with Rodale Institute to support scientific research on how regenerative organic agriculture impacts nutrient density in crops and contributes to climate mitigation through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in the soil. Known as the Vegetable Systems Trial, this study is the first to examine side-by-side how soil health and farm management practices impact the health of humans and the planet, according to True Grace.  

In addition to the new research, the partnership also provides funding to deliver much needed counsel and support to farmers interested in transitioning their land to organic systems. This financial support from True Grace will help Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting program to provide 300 hours of strategic consulting services to farmers throughout Wisconsin. This is enough to begin transitioning approximately 30 farms to a regenerative organic model, which would make the state a leader nationally in the movement. 

The Organic Consulting program is a national consultancy platform that assists farmers in successfully transitioning to certified organic production. These services include one-on-one, on-farm consultations and education, soil sample analysis, crop rotation planning, weed management guidance, equipment advice, inspection preparation, market/buyer discovery and more, effectively helping farmers meet the growing demand for organic food while earning three to six times greater profits from their crops (source: Rodale Institute).   

Regenerative organic consulting services through Rodale Institute will be provided by Léa Vereecke, Midwest Organic Consultant for Rodale Institute, based in Madison, WI. After growing up on a grain farm in Northeastern France, Vereecke earned an M.S. in Agronomy and Agroecology, and served as a research specialist with Dr. Erin Silva at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, overseeing diverse research projects, including cover crop-based reduced tillage systems, organic row crops, small grains, cover crops, industrial hemp and more.   

For more information, visit https://rodaleinstitute.org/Consulting/ or www.truegracehealth.com/.