2024 Natural Grocers Sustainability Report

PLANET

QUALITY

NUTRITION EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

CREW

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM PRICING

PEOPLE

ANIMAL WELFARE

HEALTH

Natural Grocers ® is Proud to Partner with Rodale TM Institute

PARTNER PROFILE:

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Its groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over their 75-year history, they have proven

that organic farming is not only viable, but essential to humanity’s survival.

RESEARCH For more than 75 years, Rodale Institute has been putting science behind the best practices in organic agriculture proving that healthy soil=healthy food=healthy people. With over 25 active research projects across seven sites, Rodale Institute has been the leading voice in developing solutions for the regenerative organic agriculture movement. Rodale Institute’s research focus areas include developing organic solutions to pests, disease and weeds, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and growing nutrient dense foods. FARMER TRAINING In the United States, organic sales have topped nearly $70 billion annually, and continue to grow. Yet less than 1% of U.S. cropland is certified organic. We have a need for more organic farmers, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Today, there are 6 times as many farmers over 65 as under 35. 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. GROWING CAREERS, GROWING FOOD Every year, Rodale Institute welcomes a select group of students to their headquarters to train for careers in organic agriculture. Farmer trainees focus on growing their farming skills both in the classroom and in the fields. RODALE INSTITUTE FARMER TRAINING AND VETERAN FARMER TRAINING These highly immersive, full-time programs allow anyone to begin a career in organic crop and vegetable production. Students learn financial skills, soil science, digital marketing and botany, coupled with hands-in-the-soil applications, learning on a world-renowned experimental farm. Students work alongside Rodale Institute farmers to grow organic produce for farm shares and farmers’ markets, learning how to process, distribute and sell healthy, organic food as a successful business. Learn more at RodaleInstitute.org

NATURAL GROCERS

DEDICATED THE SEPTEMBER 2024 ORGANIC MONTH FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN TO RODALE INSTITUTE, RAISING MORE THAN $80,000 TO SUPPORT RODALE INSTITUTE’S FARMER TRAINING AND VETERAN FARMER TRAINING PROGRAMS.

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NATURAL GROCERS ® | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT