Rodale Institute CEO connects regenerative organic ag to healthy communities

Jeff Tkach, chief executive officer of Rodale Institute, explores the connection between organic soil management and human health in his new book, “The Farm Is Here,” released this week.

Tkach draws on his personal health experiences and nearly four decades at the nonprofit research institute to argue that regenerative organic agriculture is essential for improving both public health and environmental resilience.

“If we as a nation are to achieve real progress on health, we must start by rebuilding the soil beneath our feet,” Tkach said. “I want readers to understand that healing ourselves and healing our land are inseparable goals.”

The book highlights research showing that organic and regenerative farming practices — such as maintaining living roots year-round and avoiding synthetic inputs — support soil biological activity, improve nutrient density in food and strengthen long-term ecosystem function.

“The answer lies much closer than we think,” Tkach said. “Health isn’t just a personal matter; it grows from the health of our environment and our choices as society.”

Tkach also provides practical guidance for farmers, institutions and policymakers to adopt regenerative practices. Rose Marcario, former CEO of Patagonia, called “The Farm Is Here,” “an important book rooted in hope for our planet.”

Rodale Institute has long conducted side-by-side research on organic and conventional systems, promoting science-based organic practices and providing farmer training. The evidence gathered through its programs forms the foundation for many of the book’s arguments.