Rodale Institute and Uncle Matt’s Organic Announce Your 2 Cents Program to Fund New Farmers

KUTZTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rodale Institute today announces the launch of Your 2 Cents, an innovative program that unites consumers and companies in support of the next generation of American farmers. The Your 2 Cents program is designed to raise funds to support student scholarships for sustainable agriculture degrees, military veterans establishing careers in organic farming, and new organic farmers while establishing research grants for farmers in the Your 2 Cents network. Inaugural program partner Uncle Matt’s Organic, a company that offers premium organic citrus juice and produce, will kick off support by donating two cents per case good of their organic juice sold to the fund.

“One possible scenario of the project in action: help a student earn a degree in sustainable agriculture, grant them initial start-up costs for their farm operation, literally bring in the Marines to provide a labor force, and incorporate a research project in partnership with Rodale Institute.”

"America needs more farmers—organic farmers,” says Mark "Coach" Smallwood, Executive Director of Rodale Institute. "One possible scenario of the project in action: help a student earn a degree in sustainable agriculture, grant them initial start-up costs for their farm operation, literally bring in the Marines to provide a labor force, and incorporate a research project in partnership with Rodale Institute.”

Companies like Uncle Matt’s Organic participate by donating two pennies per case good sold to the Your 2 Cents fund, which is governed by an advisory board consisting of representatives from companies partnering with Rodale Institute on the Your 2 Cents program. The advisory board will review applications quarterly, and allot funds for the education, training and establishment of new organic farmers who will feed America sustainably in coming generations.

"Rodale Institute is a pioneer and leader in organic agriculture and farm research," says Matt McLean, founder and CEO of Uncle Matt's Organic. "We are proud to partner with the organization on this endeavor to help support the next generation of American farmers. We hope to inspire other companies to join the campaign to make Your 2 Cents a success for our future organic farmers."

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary in the fall of 2011, the Institute’s landmark Farming Systems Trial is the longest running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional agriculture. For over sixty-years, the Institute has been committed to researching the best practices for organic farming and sharing findings with farmers and scientists around the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating consumers about how going organic is the healthiest option for people and the planet.

Uncle Matt's Organic is a Florida-based, family-owned company offering premium quality organic citrus juices and organic produce. All Uncle Matt's products have no synthetic additives or preservatives. Produce and finished products are produced under the strict regulation and guidelines of Quality Certification Services, the largest and most respected organic certifier in Florida. Products are available in health food stores and at Whole Foods and other supermarkets nationwide. The company is an active member of Organic Trade Association (OTA) and supports the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Rodale Institute.

More details are online at www.rodaleinstitute.org/your2cents.