KUTZTOWN, PA — Rodale Institute has named five leaders in organic and regenerative agriculture as recipients of its 2024–2025 Organic Stewardship Awards, including Gary Hirshberg, co-founder of Stonyfield Farm and founder of Organic Voices. The awards recognize farmers, scientists, and industry figures shaping the future of sustainable food systems.
Hirshberg received the Industry Award for his decades of advocacy in ecological agriculture and corporate responsibility. A pioneer in organic business, he helped grow Stonyfield from a small New Hampshire yogurt startup into a leading organic brand and has served on the boards of companies including Annie’s, Applegate, Honest Tea, Late July, and Sweetgreen.
“The organic movement stands on the shoulders of visionaries like Gary Hirshberg,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. “By honoring Gary with the Organic Stewardship Award, we’re not only celebrating the arc of his extraordinary career, but also issuing a call to the next generation to lead boldly and fight for a food system that nourishes all of us.”
The awards were presented during Climate Week, where Hirshberg and Tkach also co-authored an article in Fast Company urging brands to move beyond sustainability toward regenerative organic practices.
First established in 2011, the Organic Stewardship Awards spotlight individuals advancing soil health, ecological integrity, and community wellbeing while addressing climate impact and food insecurity.
In addition to Hirshberg, this year’s honorees include:
- Fred Lee, Sang Lee Farms – Lifetime Organic Achievement Award
- Liz Carlisle, UC Santa Barbara – Regenerative Organic Educator Award
- Jessica Breaux, Piney Woods Farm – Regenerative Organic Community Leader Award
- Chuck Benbrook, agricultural economist – Science Award
Rodale Institute emphasized that as climate pressures and soil degradation intensify, the need for visionary leadership in organic farming has never been greater. The awards aim to inspire new leaders to scale solutions that strengthen both human and planetary health.
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