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Other experiments focus on biological pest controls, the use of mychorrhizal fungi<ref>Douds, D., Nagahashi, G., Pfeffer, P., Kayser, W., and C. Reider. 2005.
On-farm production and utilization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus inoculum. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 85,1:15-21.</ref> – hosted by root systems in a symbiotic relationship – to amplify crops' abilities to uptake nutrients, and time-sensitive planting to avoid insect cycles and maximize the use of [[growing degree day]](s).
== Programs ==
Rodale Institute, though known for its research, also conducts a number of farmer training and consumer outreach programs focused on helping beginning farmers begin careers in organic agriculture and increasing access to organic foods.
=== Training Programs ===
==== Veteran Farmer Training Program ====
Rodale Institute offers a hands-on training opportunity geared toward military veterans looking to acclimate to civilian life by pursuing a career in organic farming. Trainees are taught skills in organic farming practices, machinery, farm operations, and more.
==== Agriculture Supported Communities (ASC) Training Program ====
Working hand in hand with Rodale Institute's Agriculture Supported Communities farm share program, ASC interns experience the full range of organic farm work, including selling organic produce at local farmers markets. Interns can choose short season or full season internships, ranging from 2 to 8 months. ASC interns work in the fields next to Rodale Institute researchers and farming experts, learning skills to one day employ on their own farms.
==== Organic Farming Certificate Program (OFCP) ====
Rodale Institute is a key partner in Delaware Valley University's Organic Farming Certificate Program, a for-credit course focused on learning and gaining the skills needed to start or work on an organic farm. Students complete half of the coursework in a classroom setting at the University, while the summer semester is spent on-farm at Rodale Institute. This program includes classes taught by Rodale Institute staff and hands-on experience in the fields.
=== Agriculture Supported Communities (ASC) Farm Share Program ===
In an effort to reduce food insecurity in the greater Eastern Pennsylvania region, Rodale Institute started the Agriculture Supported Communities farm share program. This weekly share of organic produce from the Institute farm is distributed to members in food desert communities that have traditionally been underserved in areas of organic fruits and vegetables. The ASC farm share allows participants to pay on a weekly basis, as opposed to upfront like traditional Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models. Members can use SNAP benefits and other food assistance programs to pay for their shares.
==== Mobile Market ====
Launched in 2019, the ASC Mobile Market is a portable farmstand that expands the reach of the ASC program by hosting regular pop-up farmers markets during the growing season. Able to move to any location, the Mobile Market eliminates the rigidity of traditional farmers markets and allows the produce to come to the customers. From June to November, the Mobile Market sells organic produce and food products at local hospitals, senior centers, assistance offices, community hubs, and recreation areas. The Mobile Market also holds a weekly Farmers Market in Allentown, PA.
==References==
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