Sep 26, 2019

2019 ‘Organic Pioneers’ awarded by Rodale Institute

Three leaders of the organic agriculture movement were honored earlier this month during the Rodale Institute’s ninth annual Organic Pioneer awards Sept. 7, 2019.

Organic farmer and Associate Professor of Agriculture Jennifer Taylor, children’s health researcher Phillip Landrigan, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf were honored at the event for their perseverance and commitment to growing the organic movement.

Rodale Institute Executive Director Jeff Moyer said in a press release the annual event in Kutztown, Pennsylvania is “an opportunity to recognize key figures in the organic community –such as farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and policymakers – who often endured personal hardships and professional challenges to make the brave decision to change the way food is produced around the world.”

Here is some more information from the Rodale Institute about their 2019 Organic Pioneer award-winners:

Jennifer Taylor, Ph.D. is owner of Lola’s Organic Farm in Glenwood, Georgia and Associate Professor at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she developed the Statewide Small Farm Program, focused on education, training and technical assistance for small farms. Jennifer was introduced to farming from her grandmother, who farmed as a sharecropper and successfully bought her own farmland. Lola’s Organic Farm now holds yearly workshops for local farmers and gardeners. Taylor served on the National Organic Standards Board and currently serves on the Organic Farmers Association Governing Council and Policy Committee, IFOAM-NA, US Food Sovereignty Alliance, and Georgia Organics.

“We are mindful of the essential work that Rodale Institute is doing to grow the organic movement…it is with honor and gratitude that I accept this opportunity to become a Rodale Institute Organic Pioneer,” Taylor said.

Philip Landrigan, M.D., MSc. is a pediatrician and epidemiologist. Specializing in the health of children, Landrigan’s research concluded that children are uniquely susceptible to the effects of agricultural pesticides. He has written frequently on the interactions between environmental toxins and pediatric health, and currently serves as the Director of the Global Observatory on Pollution and Health at Boston College.

“It is an enormous honor to be a 2019 recipient of a Rodale Institute Organic Pioneer Award,” Landrigan said. “I am awed to be included in the company of those who have received this award before me, extraordinary men and women who have followed in the footsteps of Robert Rodale and devoted their lives to protecting our Common Home.”

Governor Tom Wolf has served as Governor of Pennsylvania since 2015. Before he was governor, Wolf was the owner of the Wolf Organization, a distributor of building products. Governor Wolf has made significant strides in improving government practices, education, healthcare, and the economy in Pennsylvania throughout his tenure as Governor. In 2018, Governor Wolf outlined a six-point plan to strengthen Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and make Pennsylvania the nation’s leading organic state. Governor Wolf pledged to help increase organic market share, raise public awareness of the opportunities in the organic sector, and work on organic marketing standards. The Governor’s plan also includes continuing transition assistance to organic farmers.

Read about some previous recipients of the Organic Pioneer awards here.