Rodale Institute and Kutztown University signed a cooperative agreement on February 27 that will establish research affiliates for the mutual benefit of both institutions. The agreement will create opportunities for students to partner with university faculty and Rodale Institute personnel on field research in the areas of soil health, organic practices for farming and pest management, composting and pollinators. Students will also be able to intern at the Rodale Institute.

Rodale Institute personnel will now be able to perform collaborative research with Kutztown University faculty and students; have access to university research laboratories; have the opportunity for its research affiliates to offer guest lectures, when invited by Kutztown University faculty; access to Rohrbach Library; parking on the Kutztown University campus; and a Kutztown University ID card, identifying the status as research affiliate.

“It’s a unique agreement,” says Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, president of Kutztown University. “We hope this will bring about cooperation and understanding among people, especially when it comes to issues like the environment and sustainability.”

“This is a golden opportunity for a world-class organization like the Rodale Institute to reach out to a world-class university,” says Jeff Moyer, executive director of Rodale Institute. “This will allow us to share information, share knowledge and most importantly bring value to the students that attend Kutztown University.”

The Rodale Institute, founded in 1947 by organic pioneer J.I. Rodale, is located on a 333-acre farm with research facilities less than six miles from Kutztown University.

Rodale Institute is located at 611 Siegfriedale Rd., in Kutztown. For more information, call 610-683-6009 or visit RodaleInstitute.org.