A Note About the Life of Ronnie Cummins, 1946-2023

In the two minute clip above, you will get an intimate picture of Ronnie Cummins, and the unique way he could teach others about the mindset of a regenerative leader.

In this clip, the co-founder of the Organic Consumers Association and Regeneration International sat on stage in 2017 with Acres USA’s long-time owner, Fred Walters, who asked Vandana Shiva, and André Leu, a question about “How, in the face of all you see, do you stay positive and happy?” at the end of the keynote presentation at the Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show. I was leaning against the wall in awe of the conversation on stage, and Ronnie truly brought it home with his answer.

Like he was prone to do, Ronnie made us think, and then made us laugh. And then he gave us hope.

Here’s what he said in 2017:

“I don’t feel the least bit tired you, know. But I think there’s a I think there’s an inner planetary force out there that when you get opened up to it, you get this strength, and it makes you smile all the time. And I believe that we can tap into this force and that will make us invincible. You know, it’s hard to always feel that force—that solidarity that compassion that whatever it is—I don’t know exactly what it is—but most of the time it’s there. And this is a big universe—we don’t understand what’s going on totally, we don’t understand where it came from or where it’s going or everything in it, but I think it’s worthwhile trying to cultivate personal health. You know, mental and physical, and getting out in nature, and being in contact with beauty and the sacredness of it all, and maybe the sacred herbs, too, I mean I’ve always been a believer in the sacred herbs, but that’s why I’m a happy guy. 

<Laughter> 

“I mean, I’m going to die at some point, but hopefully not before we won. But I actually think I’m going to come back in some form. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m going to come back to enjoy the fruits of my labor and all of our labor, so I look forward to seeing you in any of those forms.”

While he died last week of cancer, his legacy should be known through the regenerative movement. We can thank him for helping create healthier foods for millions of people and teaching thousands of farmers how to grow organically. His impact was generational, an enormous.

Ronnie was a fierce believer in individual freedom. He was controversial in his beliefs about the Covid vaccine, and was not afraid to call out the large corporate polluters for their lack of care for humanity. Yet, through all his writings and teaching, the thread of kindness and the connectedness of life, was consistent.

For more information, here is a link to his official obituary.