Ancient Nutrition will dedicate 1% of annual revenue and begin the first stage of a 14-year project to objectively study methods to revolutionize environmental regeneration and healthy food production through carbon sequestration, water conservation, and soil microbiome diversity and viability, said the company in a release.
This includes a transition to regenerative agricultural efforts on 4,000+ certified organic acres across two farms in Tennessee and Missouri through Ancient Nutrition’s R.A.N.C.H. Project. Research scientists at Rodale Institute will collaborate with the company on data collection and analysis on the following:
- Soil health improvements
- Carbon sequestration/drawdown per acre
- Topsoil depth
- Soil organic matter
- Water infiltration
- Micronutrient testing
- Microbial analysis
- Livestock carrying capacity
- Livestock health
- Ecological diversity in species of pasture, birds, animals, insects, and microbes
- Perennial plant production
"This partnership with Rodale Institute is a dream come true. I owe much of my natural health lineage to the groundbreaking work of founder J.I. Rodale,” said Jordan Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Ancient Nutrition.
“Ancient Nutrition and our mission to save the world with superfoods is built upon our desire to lead the revolution of regeneration in body, mind and planet. The only hope we have for a healthy future lies in our farming practices. We need a transformation of agricultural production, and an evolution of the industry that can have a significant impact on the future of climate health.”
Standards
In addition to the ongoing research project, Ancient Nutrition is working with Rodale Institute's Organic Consulting Service to transition a portion of its land to Regenerative Organic Certified, the highest standard in regenerative organic agriculture.
“At our core, we believe that Rodale Institute is a human health organization,” said Jeff Tkach, Rodale Institute Chief Impact Officer. “This partnership with Ancient Nutrition offers us an opportunity to educate consumers that the way we grow our agricultural products impacts our own health and the health of the planet. We're proud to work alongside such a well-respected brand in the wellness industry to bring this story to life while grounding the story in science.”
Founded in 1947, Rodale Institute's science has focused on the benefits of changing the way we farm, from nutrient density of crops to profitability for farmers and carbon sequestration. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is widely considered the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture.