Jerome Irving Rodale (16 August, 1898 - 9 June, 1971), known as J. I. Rodale, was one of the first advocates for sustainable agriculture and organic farming in the United States.

He was born in New York City. Rodale had an intense interest in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle that emphasized organically grown foods. He founded the Rodale Press, publisher of Organic Farming and Gardening magazine, promoting organic methods during the 1940s. Retitled, Organic Gardening is the most-read gardening periodical worldwide.

Rodale died of a heart attack while being interviewed on the Dick Cavett Show. When he appeared to fall asleep, Cavett quipped, "Are we boring you, Mr. Rodale?". The episode was never broadcast. Ironically, Rodale had bragged a day earlier that he would "live to 100 unless I'm run down by some sugar-crazed taxi driver". He was 72 at the time.

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1898 births | 1971 deaths | American farmers | Sustainable agriculture | People who use their mother's surname