The California Organic Center Field Day at the Rodale Institute California Organic Center in Camarillo, California, recently brought together farmers, researchers, and advocates for organic agriculture for an inspiring day of learning and collaboration.
Founded in 1947, Rodale Institute is a global leader in regenerative organic agriculture. With research farms across the country – including the California Organic Center – Rodale’s mission is to improve the health of people and the planet by advancing organic farming through research, farmer training, and consumer education.
At the California Organic Center, located at 1014 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, Rodale Institute focuses on region-specific organic solutions. Their research includes cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost applications, and integrated pest management – all geared toward building healthy soils and resilient food systems in Southern California.
Supporting Veterans Through Agriculture
Rodale Institute is also deeply committed to helping Veterans transition into careers in agriculture. Through FVC’s USDA AgVets program, in partnership with Rodale, they provide hands-on training, mentorship, and resources tailored specifically for military veterans. The Farmer Veteran Coalition, headquartered in Waco, Texas, is the nation’s largest nonprofit assisting Veterans in agriculture, connecting them to educational opportunities, grants, and markets like the Homegrown By Heroes label. Together, Rodale and FVC empower Veterans to build successful farming operations that sustain both themselves and their communities.
At the recent California event it was my pleasure as CEO to meet a group of California FVC Chapter members and learn about their individual farms. Their presence underscored the deep collaboration between Rodale Institute and FVC, and the shared commitment to supporting Veterans’ success in agriculture.
Event Highlights
The California Field Day featured a comprehensive look at Rodale’s research and initiatives:
- Rotating Field Stations on high residue reduced tillage vegetable systems, cover crops vs. plastic mulch in organic systems, the Regenerate Ventura County Project, and Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting services.
- Equipment Demonstrations to showcase innovative organic practices.
- Lunch and Networking Opportunities that fostered community-building among growers, researchers, and advocates.
- Organic Stewardship Award Presentation honoring Dr. Liz Carlisle for her outstanding contributions to the organic farming community.
- Afternoon Tours at the UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, highlighting winter cover crop demonstrations, new orchard plantings, and compost tea trials.
Looking Ahead: Rodale Institute’s Annual Organic Field Day in Pennsylvania
If you missed the California event, there is another exciting opportunity to engage with Rodale Institute’s work this summer! Mark your calendars for Friday, July 18, 2025, when Rodale Institute’s headquarters in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, will host its Annual Organic Field Day.
This event offers farmers, researchers, and organic agriculture enthusiasts an immersive experience featuring nearly 20 demonstration stations. Participants can explore the farm on foot or hop on tractor-pulled wagons to visit the stations. An exhibitor area will feature partners sharing information on new programs and opportunities.
Registration Details:
- Date: July 18, 2025
- Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM EDT
- Location: Rodale Institute, 611 Siegfriedale Road, Kutztown, PA 19530
- Cost: $25 per person
To register and learn more, visit Rodale Institute’s Annual Organic Field Day page HERE.
Nick Flanigan, FVC Chief Operating Officer and Diego Loredo, FVC Digital Marketing & Outreach Specialist hope to see our Pennsylvania FVC members this July!
The Farmer Veteran Coalition and Rodale Institute believe that a healthy farm is the backbone of a healthy community. In combining rigorous research, hands-on training, and partnerships like the AgVets program with the Farmer Veteran Coalition, together we are cultivating the next generation of organic farmers and building a brighter future for our food system.
About Farmer Veteran Coalition
Based in Waco, Texas, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition empowers Veterans to build meaningful careers in agriculture. FVC offers resources, training, and support to help them transition into farming or agricultural employment. Through education, mentorship, and partnerships, FVC creates economic opportunities, fosters sustainability, and enables Veterans to continue serving by strengthening American agriculture and their communities.
Established in 2009, some of FVC’s in-house programs include the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund small grant program, the nationally recognized Homegrown By Heroes label for Veteran-grown products, MarketMaker, Hives Training Program, Fields4Valor Food Security Program, and the national stakeholders conference. For more information, visit www.farmvetco.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @FarmerVeteranCoalition and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@farmvetcoalition/videos.
