Albert Howard
Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947) was a British
botanist, an
organic farming pioneer, and a principal figure in the early
organic movement. He is often referred to as the father of modern organic
agriculture. He worked in
India as agricultural advisor, where he observed and came to support traditional Indian farming practices over conventional agricultural science. He went on to document and develop organic farming techniques, and spread his knowledge through the
UK-based
Soil Association, and the Rodale Institute in the US. His 1940 book,
An Agricultural Testament, is a classic organic farming text. His work influenced and inspired many farmers and agricultural scientists who furthered the organic movement, including
Lady Eve Balfour (the
Haughley Experiment,
The Living Soil) and J.I. Rodale (Rodale Institute).