By Blake Jackson
Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, a Pennsylvania-based leader in farmer-driven education and research, recognized six outstanding individuals and organizations making a significant impact on sustainable agriculture. These awardees, celebrated at Pasa's annual conference, exemplify commitment to community, innovation, and lifelong service.
Business Leadership: Masa Cooperativa, a worker-owned cooperative, mills local organic corn into masa flour, honoring cultural traditions and sustainable practices.
Community Leadership: Truelove Seeds, a farm-based seed company led by Owen Taylor and Chris Bolden-Newsome, promotes culturally significant, open-pollinated seeds and offers educational programs like seed-saving workshops.
Leadership: Sue Miller of Birchrun Hills Farm co-manages a dairy farm known for conservation practices and award-winning raw milk cheeses, advocating for local food systems.
Lifetime Service: Chef Mike Ditchfield, recently retired, dedicated his career to educating future chefs on sustainable sourcing and responsible culinary practices.
Lifetime Service: John & Sukey Jamison, conservation grazers and lamb producers, built their own processing facility and authored a book sharing their farm experiences. John also served on the Pasa Board for years.
Lifetime Service: Ira Wallace, gardener, teacher, and manager of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, champions seed access, land rights, and collaboration among seed companies.
Celebrating Impact:
These diverse award recipients represent the many ways individuals and organizations can contribute to a more sustainable future for agriculture. Pasa's recognition highlights the essential roles of community engagement, responsible business practices, education, and lifelong dedication in driving positive change.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business