Regenerative Organic Learning Centers
The Regenerative Organic Learning Centers (ROLC) program aims to uplift our farmers as leaders in their communities, to promote regional peer-to-peer conversations, and to offer learning opportunities for neighboring farmers in order to increase the number of Regenerative Organic Certified® farms.
We selected exemplary farms to be in the ROLC pilot based on their demonstrated expertise and leadership in regenerative organic practices. In this first year, we are focusing on five regions in the United States.
Breathe Deep Farm
Breathe Deep Farm stewards over 2000 acres, with approximately 500 acres in production in the famed Hudson River Valley. After joining efforts with the ROA during our 2019 pilot program, they became one of the first operations in the world to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified® status. The focus of their work is to regenerate the land and connect with other regional framers to strengthen the rebirth of a regional grain network. Breathe Deep Farm, managed by Chris Cashen, annually produces corn, soybeans, and a variety of small grains, all of which are sold regionally into various food, feed, and beverage markets- including the first ever ROC™ spirits, created by Anytime Foods. With a focus on grains and staples for the community, being cultivated on land that is home to abundant wildlife and rich soils, this farm is a beautiful example of community food reliance and regeneration to soil, people, and place.
A-Frame Farm
A-Frame Farm is bursting with 1200 acres of Regenerative Organic Certified® cropland, right in the heartland. They are pioneering growers of the Land Institute’s perennial grain known as kernza® , a grain that has become the darling of the climate farming movement and is sparking a revolution among beer brewers. Our friends and partners at Mad Agriculture have described their operation well: Luke and Ali Peterson, of A-Frame Farms, aren’t your normal, everyday farmers. Surrounded by corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see, their farm stands out as a beacon of diversity and soil health. To their neighbors, they’re crazy. But to regenerative food and farming advocates, the Petersons are revolutionaries. This farm gives us a glimmer of hope for a healthier food and farming system, showcasing that soil health can translate to healthier food and happier farmers too.
Heal The Planet Farm
Heal The Planet Farm is based in Summertown, TE. It is the first Regenerative Organic Certified® farm in the region and serves as both a Rodale Institute research site and a Savory Institute Hub. It is one of two transformative farms conceived and directed by Jordan Rubin, founder of the ROC™ brand Ancient Nutrition. Along with Dr. Josh Axe and team, these renowned changemakers in the regenerative organic farming movement are reimagining our agricultural system in the most nourishing, nutritional, and positive way. Heal the Planet’s property is divided into three main projects; a 53-acre intensive multi-species rotational grazing and soil building project, a million-member regenerative food forest comprising of 30+ perennial species, and six year-round greenhouses which are home to over 6,000 perennial tropical plants.
Oatman Flats Ranch
Oatman Flats Ranch, a 600 acre farm specializing in the thoughtful cultivation of heritage wheat, is committed to revitalizing and sustaining family farms in hotter and drier environments by acting as a beacon of inspiration in regenerative organic agriculture. The team at Oatman Flats has endeavored to combine ancient traditional knowledge and cutting edge agro-ecological principles to restore fertility to the farm’s soils, while also replenishing water resources and boosting soil carbon sequestration. From the roots up, Oatman Flats Ranch is a case study of agricultural methods for arid lands that build and sustain healthy ecosystems, including the people working the lands, the soils growing the crops, and the crucial presence of native flora and fauna.
The Ecology Center
The Ecology Center is a historic agricultural property that in modern day is surrounded by urban sprawl. This 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified® farm also serves as an educational center and inspiring hub for Southern California’s regenerative movement. Their holistic approach to the land is reflected in how they integrate and incubate the next generation of agricultural, culinary, and educational leaders with the creation of this vibrant community resource and gathering place to inspire all. The many stakeholders at The Ecology Center recognize and honor the interdependence among the functions of four pillars within their resplendent village– Grow, Eat, Make, and Peace touches all that happens there and is at the heart of their special magic.
Through the ROLC program, we hope to encourage the next generation of farmers in Regenerative and Organic while learning from local farming communities to understand the issues we face and the solutions to overcome them.
The Regenerative Organic Learning Center participating farms have been selected in hopes of inspiring other farmers in their regions to adopt more regenerative organic methods, for the greater good of our soils, people, planet, and animals. The farms will be hosting dynamic field days in which we will be building networks of resources, sharing ideas, and understanding technical applications of ROC™ practices and how to become certified. These hands-on learning opportunities will be supported by pre- event webinars that are free for anyone to join.
For more information about each farm’s individual field day and to sign up to attend, please visit our field day registration link!
The ROA’s pilot year of the ROLC program was funded by a generous grant by the Curaterra Foundation. Our Field Day event sponsors include:
