HARRISBURG, PA — Leaders from farms, government, nonprofits, and business will take center stage this week as Pasa Sustainable Agriculture announces the 2026 recipients of its Pasabilities Awards, honoring individuals and organizations advancing sustainable agriculture through innovation, collaboration, and community impact.
The awards will be presented during Pasa’s 35th annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference, set for Wednesday and Thursday, February 5–6, in Lancaster. The conference brings together farmers, educators, policymakers, and food-system leaders from across the region.
This year’s Leadership Award will go to George Lake of Thistle Creek Farms, who will be honored during the Opening Plenary on Thursday at 2 p.m. Lake has spent nearly four decades demonstrating how soil health, ecological balance, and economic viability can coexist through rotational grazing of grass-fed cattle and sheep. A longtime participant in Pasa’s research and storytelling initiatives, Lake has helped translate data-driven regenerative practices into practical guidance for other farmers.
Two Lifetime Service Awards will be presented Thursday evening at the Pasabilities Awards and Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony. Steve Bogash is being recognized for decades of service as a Penn State Cooperative Extension educator and researcher, where his work on vegetables and high-tunnel systems shaped sustainable horticulture practices across the region. Even after retiring from extension, Bogash continued advancing on-farm research and education in the private sector.
The second Lifetime Service Award will honor Tracey Coulter, whose career has focused on integrating forestry and farming. Through her work with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and long-standing collaboration with Pasa, Coulter helped bring agroforestry into the mainstream of sustainable land management in Pennsylvania.
Community Leadership Awards will be presented during the conference’s Keynote Plenary on Friday at 11 a.m. One honoree is Chris Rabb, recognized for elevating sustainable agriculture in public policy and linking food systems with environmental health, economic justice, and climate resilience. Representing northwest Philadelphia, Rabb has worked to bridge urban and rural priorities through his legislative roles and the founding of the Pennsylvania Climate Caucus.
Also receiving a Community Leadership Award is the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which Pasa credits with redefining stewardship through initiatives that restore vacant land, expand food access, and create pathways into green-sector careers.
The Business Leadership Award will go to Good Roots, a nationwide firm that supports farms and food enterprises with financial strategy, bookkeeping, and business planning. Pasa said the organization plays a key role in helping values-driven agricultural businesses remain economically resilient.
Pasa officials said the Pasabilities Awards highlight the diverse leadership required to build a regenerative and durable food system, from land stewardship and education to policy and finance.
The 35th annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference will be held in Lancaster on February 5–6. Registration and additional details are available at https://pasafarming.org/conference.
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