A lot of us noticed when Cascadian Farm closed to the public a couple of years ago. It’s been a staple in the lush Skagit Valley since 1972. Founder Gene Kahn was dedicated to organic farming and his legacy has continued for over 50 years, first with General Mills, who used the Home Farm as the birthplace of the Cascadian Farm grocery brand from 2000-2022, and now with Rodale Institute.
Rodale Institute is a nonprofit that was founded in 1947 by J.I. Rodale in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. There, Rodale used his farm to experiment in organic agriculture. In fact, it was he who coined the word, “organic.” Since then, Rodale Institute has grown into a country-wide movement of research, education and advocacy for organic farming.
Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center at Cascadian Farms
After the 90-acre farm was donated to Rodale Institute by General Mills, it was renamed Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center at Cascadian Farms. “It’s part of the network of Rodale Institute Regional Resource Centers around the U.S.,” explains Ashley Minnerath, community relations manager for Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center at Cascadia Farms. “These regional hubs are intended to meet the needs of farmers in their own communities, including regionalized research on pests, diseases and fertility, as well as doing field days and other educational programs. And the ultimate goal of these Regional Resource Centers is to increase the number of organic farms and acres in organic production and help support organic farmers to be successful.”
Since the Home Farm has always been an organic farm, it was a perfect fit to expand Rodale Institute’s research in the Pacific Northwest. They will act as an incredible source of research and education for local Skagit Valley farmers who are looking to transition to organic farming, or who may have questions about their current organic practices. “The ultimate goal of these Regional Resource Centers is to increase the number of organic farms and acres in organic production and help support organic farmers to be successful,” shares Minnerath.
Those wanting to learn more about organic farming should definitely check out the Rodale Institute website. They have publications as well as a Regenerative Organic Consumer Course that people can take to learn about how their purchases make a difference and how to be a conscious consumer, explains Minnerath.
Farms can sign up for their Organic Consultancy program. They have consultants in the Pacific Northwest who will work with farmers who want to transition to organic farming, need help with organic certification, changing growing practices, improvements, etc.
Cascadian Farm Open to the Public Once More
Rodale Institute opened the Home Farm once again to visitors this past summer offering blueberry and raspberry u-pick as well as weekly farm tours. Over 1,000 people picked approximately 5,000 berries. “It was great to connect with people and welcome folks back to the farm and engage with people again,” says Minnerath. “We met dozens of folks that were passionate about organic farming and wanted to learn more about the farm and how to farm organically, and visit the farm site, so that was really inspiration to have so many people come out to support us.”
The farm will be open again next year for u-pick season and will have weekly farm tours again as well.
Support the Organic Research in the Pacific Northwest
You don’t have to be a farmer to appreciate the benefits of organic farming. You can help support organic farming through your purchases at stores, but also by purchasing from local organic farms right here in Skagit County and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
If you would like to help Rodale Institute with its research, you can donate directly to the Pacific Northwest Organic Center at Cascadian Farms via the Rodale Institute website. This same page also has information on requesting a farm tour during the off-season, up-to-date information on u-pick dates and more.
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