EcoFarm Awards

JUSTIE WINNER

Allensworth, CA

Founded in 2007 by Dennis Hutson, TAC Farm promotes organic and regenerative practices, supports the Beginning Farmer Training Program, and strengthens climate resilience. The farm specializes in rabbit production, vermicomposting, and earthworm farming, while developing community-scale technologies to remove arsenic from groundwater.

JUSTIE WINNER

Community Farmer and Organizer, South Berkeley, CA

Effie’s work spans agroecology, community organizing, and stewardship of Gill Tract Farm. She collaborates with local farmers, Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, and UC Berkeley, drawing inspiration from her Celtic and Nordic heritage

SUSTIE WINNER

Agroecologist, Emeritus Professor, UC Santa Cruz

Agroecologist, Emeritus Professor, UC Santa Cruz Steve integrates science, practice, and social activism. He helped establish agroecology in Mexico and founded UC Santa Cruz’s Agroecology program. He co-founded the Community Agroecology Network and works on local food systems, sustainable groundwater management, and dry-farming organic wine grapes and olives at Condor's Hope Vineyard in the Cuyama Valley.

SUSTIE WINNER

Farmer, Salinas Valley, CA

With 40+ years of experience, Israel transitioned from conventional to organic farming, advocating for soil health and biodiversity. He pioneered holistic, systems-based practices and designed specialized equipment still used in the region today.

FRESH ROOTS WINNER

Organic Farmer, High Hills Organic Farm, Monterey, CA

María is an organic farmer producing strawberries and vegetables using sustainable practices. With training and support from the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), she overcame language and economic barriers to establish her farm. María is committed to environmental stewardship, strengthening the local food system, and creating meaningful agricultural jobs for future generations.

FRESH ROOTS WINNER

Organic Farmer, Los Prismas Organic Farm, Monterey, CA

Veronica is an organic farmer who began her agricultural training with ALBA in 2023 after learning about the program through a colleague. With support from her family and ALBA’s mentorship, she is developing a farming practice centered on land stewardship and community health.

GOLDEN PLIERS AWARD

The awardee will be announced at the EcoFarm Awards Banquet. As the Golden Pliers change hands, they symbolize not only an honor bestowed on an individual but also a collective celebration of the resilience, ingenuity, and passion that define the spirit of EcoFarm.