Rodale Institute honors organic pioneers

Rodale Institute has announced the recipients of the 2011 Organic Pioneer Awards, which recognize individuals for their innovative contributions to the organic movement in America. This year’s award winners are: Drew and Joan Norman, One Straw Farm; owners of the largest certified organic vegetable farm in Maryland. Drew and Joan impact the entire Mid-Atlantic region through their organic production practices and provide inspiration to other growers.

Maurice Small, youth organizer; regarded as a visionary, a food broker, an educator, and a friend of worms. Maurice Small has more than twenty years of experience in creating excellent soil, growing delicious food and cultivating young leaders in Northeast Ohio. Deservedly distinguished as an “Urban Action Hero,” Maurice saves lives each day through his mission and work.

Dr. Richard Harwood, former Director of the Rodale Research Center and invaluable contributor to the Farming System’s Trial, America’s longest-running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional agriculture. As one of the Research Directors that oversaw the creation and launch of the landmark Farming Systems Trial, Dr. Richard Harwood’s work with Rodale can be seen throughout the farm and continues to influence and shape the Institute’s research today. (Picture: Mark Smallwood, executive director, Rodale Institute)

“Each of these individuals sets an example of who we are and who we want to be— both as an organization and as an industry,” said Mark Smallwood, Executive Director of Rodale Institute. “In my first year as the Executive Director, it is a proud moment to be able to honor pioneers that represent the history and the evolution of the organic movement. This event connects the dots between research, farming and innovation.”

This year’s recipients will be honored at the Organic Pioneer Awards benefit dinner, which will take place at the Rodale Institute farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania on 16 September 2011. The event will also celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Farming Systems Trial, and Rodale Institute will soon release new findings showing that organic agriculture produces competitive yields, is more energy efficient and more economically viable than conventional practices.
 

Rodale Institute