September 19, 2022—The Board of Directors of Rodale Institute on Sept. 19, 2022, announced the upcoming retirement of Jeff Moyer from the position of Chief Executive Officer. Moyer will remain as CEO until the Spring of 2023, when he will transition to CEO Emeritus and continue to support and advise the organization. Since joining Rodale Institute in 1976, Moyer has been dedicated to advancing the mission of the Institute and regenerative organic agriculture as farm director, executive director, and CEO. The Board of Directors will retain an executive search firm to select a new CEO.
“The regenerative organic movement and Rodale Institute would not be where it is today without the leadership of Jeff Moyer,” said Maya Rodale and Roberta Lang, co-chairs of the Board of Directors. “His tireless dedication to the study, practice, and advocacy of regenerative organic agriculture has helped countless farmers transition to organic practices, which has led to healthier soil, healthier food, healthier people, and a healthier planet. While Jeff is irreplaceable, he has assembled a stellar team and we are confident that together we will ensure a smooth transition for the organization and find the next great leader for Rodale Institute.”
“It has been a great honor and privilege to work alongside so many great people that make up the organic and regenerative organic community,” said Moyer. “Being able to positively impact individual lives and the planet as a whole has made every day of the past 46 years a true joy.”
“Thanks to Jeff’s leadership, Rodale Institute has never been in a stronger position,” continued Rodale and Lang. “He has assembled a terrific team and we look forward to a continuing friendship with Jeff, continuing the projects we are committed to, and continuing and expanding the outstanding work of Rodale Institute.”
After joining Rodale Institute in 1976, Moyer spent 39 years as Farm Manager/Director before being appointed as Executive Director of the Institute in 2015. Five years later, he was named CEO.
Moyer is well-known for conceptualizing and popularizing a Rodale Institute-invented tractor attachment dubbed the “roller crimper.” It’s a vital tool in no-till organic agriculture as it reduces soil erosion, improves soil health, and increases biodiversity.
Moyer’s professional accomplishments also include serving as the chair of the National Organic Standards Board. Currently, he sits on the boards of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the Soil Health Institute, and the advisory board of The Real Organic Project. In addition, he is a founding board member of Pennsylvania Certified Organic and past Founder and Board Chair of The Seed Farm, a farmer incubator project. He was recently named to City and State Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Power 100 list.
Moyer wrote Organic No-Till Farming, updated as Roller/Crimper No-Till, for Acres U.S.A., and has been a frequent contributor at Acres U.S.A. events and in the monthly magazine.