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 A debate exists within the United States government and society at large over whether pennies should be eliminated as a unit of currency. At the Rodale Institute, we think the penny can and should be saved. We see it as the springboard to our future and the future of a strong organic community.
Founded in 1947 by J.I. Rodale, the Rodale Institute's mission is to provide organic leadership to improve the health and well-being of the people and the planet. We research the best practices of organic agriculture and share findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world. We advocate for policies that support farmers and educate consumers about why going organic is the healthiest option for people and the planet.
Drawing on the adage "put in your two cents," I recently developed an innovative program at the institute to encourage companies to share their spare change. We see the value in every penny and ask businesses to share theirs. By working together with producers, consumers, researchers and educators, we believe that just a little change can make a big difference.
Let me tell you how.
We are working with a wide variety of organic producers to develop agreements in which, for every case of product sold -- organic orange juice, tulip bulbs, yogurt, vitamins, milk -- two cents will be donated to the institute's Your 2 Cents Fund. The money collected will award scholarships to students of organic agriculture and assist new organic farmers in purchasing equipment, tools, even land or livestock -- whatever is needed to help establish them as organic farmers. It will help veterans launch new careers in organic farming and support research projects on organic agriculture.
The most exciting aspect of the program is that anyone can participate. As of today, the institute's 2 Cents initiative has engaged large businesses such as Uncle Matt's Organics, which has a national presence, as well as well as smaller, regional companies such as EcoTulips, the only organic tulip producer in the United States.
Regardless of size, each partner gets one seat on the Your 2 Cents Advisory Board, allowing them to help determine how to allocate the funds. Every two cents does, in fact, count.
The Your 2 Cents program allows the institute to continue and expand research and outreach programs. In doing so, we continually build upon their success and share their knowledge.
So, let me put in my own two cents: Let's save the penny and, at the same time, support organic agriculture. Organic makes sense for our planet. It makes sense for our famers. A 30-year study conducted by the institute showed that organic methods improved the quality of our food, the health of our soils and water and the conditions of our nation's rural areas. Organic agriculture created more jobs and provided a livable income for farmers. It has the ability to restore the viability of our farming community and food system.
With just a few pennies, we can help the economy and heal the planet? That sounds like a good investment to me.
This week's Zester soapbox contributor, Mark "Coach" Smallwood, is the executive director of the Rodale Institute, a 333-acre organic research farm located in Kutztown, Pa. Before joining the institute, Mark worked with Whole Foods as a mid-Atlantic green mission specialist and local forager. His professional experience has been dedicated to environmental sustainability and organic farming. As a longtime organic farmer and biodynamic gardener, Mark has raised chickens, goats, sheep and pigs, and driven a team of oxen.
Photo: Mark "Coach Smallwood . Credit: Courtesy Rodale Institute
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