World-renowned soil biology expert to join Rodale Institute
Dr. Elaine Ingram
The Rodale Institute, a non-profit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach, today announced the appointment of Dr. Elaine Ingham as Chief Scientist. Dr. Ingham has led Soil Foodweb, Inc. as president and director of research since 1996. She has helped farmers all over the world to grow more resilient crops by understanding and improving their soil. She is also an affiliate professor at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa. In addition, she has served in academia for two decades.
In her new role as Chief Scientist, Dr. Ingham leads all Rodale Institute research projects. She spearheads innovative initiatives that drive advancements in sustainable agriculture. As the scientific voice for the Institute, she travels worldwide. There, she shares her expertise and engages with global research communities. This fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange. Additionally, she creates a vision for the future of food and farming. She advocates for practices that prioritize environmental health, soil integrity, and the well-being of both farmers and consumers. Through her leadership, Dr. Ingham addresses pressing challenges in the agricultural sector. She ensures that the research at the Rodale Institute meets current needs while anticipating future demands in a rapidly changing world.
Soil Biologist
“Dr. Ingham is a true, card-carrying Soil Biologist—a rare entity in a field often overlooked. With an impressive background and a wealth of experience, she stands out as one of the foremost authorities on practical soil biology management. Her expertise and innovative approaches make her uniquely qualified to pioneer new frontiers of organic research with the Rodale Institute, especially at a time when sustainable practices are crucial for our planet’s health,” says Executive Director Mark Smallwood. “We are very excited to have her join our team, as her knowledge will undoubtedly enhance our mission and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in soil health and ecological restoration.”
Rodale Institute
Since its founding in 1947 by J.I. Rodale, the Rodale Institute has been committed to groundbreaking research in organic agriculture. It advocates for policies that support farmers and educates people about how organic is the safest, healthiest option for people and the planet. The Institute is home to the Farming Systems TrialTM (FST). This is America’s longest-running side-by-side comparison of chemical and organic agriculture. Consistent results from the study have shown that organic yields match or surpass those of conventional farming. In years of drought, organic corn yields are about 30% higher.
