Holdfast collective renews $1.55M commitment to Rodale Institute Regenerate Ventura

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 8, 2026

Patagonia's nonprofit shareholder scales regenerative organic transition across one of California's most pesticide-intensive counties

CAMARILLO, Calif.-Rodale Institute announced today that Holdfast Collective, Patagonia's nonprofit shareholder, has approved a $1.55 million, three-year grant renewal supporting the expansion of the Rodale Institute Regenerate Ventura project as part of a vision for county-wide transformation from conventional agriculture to organic and regenerative organic agriculture. The Institute's regenerative organic mission is directly aligned with Holdfast's and Patagonia's shared vision for the future of agriculture.

"This renewal reflects what we've proven in Year One, that hyperlocal, farmer-first support works," said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. "With Holdfast's partnership, we're not just funding transition, we're funding a systems shift. The full vision for county-wide transformation requires $10 million in total investment. We're calling on others who are committed to this work to join us in making Ventura County a regenerative organic model for the nation."

The true impact of this partnership rests with the farmers and communities it supports, and the stories of transformation that follow. Since launching in 2024 with an initial $1 million Holdfast investment, the initiative has achieved nearly 39% engagement among BIPOC farmers, expanded to more than 10,000 acres in transition toward a 316,000-acre target and built a pipeline of 57 farms in active transition. Twelve of those farms are in organic certification application while 40 have committed to transition within 18 months.

Rodale Institute agronomists consult directly on crop selection, marketing coordination and organic certification, while wraparound support addresses barriers universities and extension offices have historically overlooked: business planning, equipment stipends, legal guidance and market access.

"Rodale Institute is filling a void," said Greg Curtis, Executive Director of Holdfast Collective. "They've shown up with rigor, trust and results. Their model proves that organic and regenerative organic agriculture is essential to climate resilience and farm viability in our own backyard and beyond."

The initiative operates through partnerships with Leap Lab, Project MILPA, Saticoy Food Hub, Ventura County institutions, food system stakeholders and other regional community-based organizations. To learn more, visit rodaleinstitute.org.

ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE
Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2025, the Institute's groundbreaking science and direct farmer support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 78-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable but essential to humanity's survival.

ABOUT HOLDFAST COLLECTIVE
The Holdfast Collective is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that owns 100% of Patagonia's non-voting stock. The organization is committed to combating the environmental crisis, protecting nature and biodiversity, and supporting thriving communities.

ABOUT PATAGONIA
We're in business to save our home planet. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. As a certified B Corporation and a founding member of 1% for the Planet, the company is recognized internationally for its product quality and environmental activism, as well as its contributions of more than $240 million to environmental organizations. Its unique ownership structure reflects that Earth is its only shareholder: Profits not reinvested back into the business are paid to Holdfast Collective to protect the planet.

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