Every year, at the annual Farmers Guild-Raising & Agrarian Lovers Ball, our community recognizes farmers and food system advocates from across California who are contributing to a stronger local food economy, promoting food justice and empowering a new generation of agrarians.

2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS

NEW FARMER OF THE YEAR

MEL & KYLE BURNS,
NYE RANCH
In their first 5 years of production, this farmer or rancher gives us hope for the next generation, setting a strong example and supporting their upstart agrarian peers.
FARM ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

CHANOWK & JUDITH YISRAEL,
YISRAEL FAMILY FARM

In the field and off, this food advocate is working to support new farmers, raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and build food systems with equity and access.

FOOD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

SAM MOGANNAM,
BI-RITE MARKET

This business has proven their commitment to local food, fiber and supporting family farmers by forging strong and equitable partnerships to build bridges between the farm and plate.

​LEGACY FARMER OF THE YEAR

LEONARD DIGGS,
​SHONE FARM
With an eye on the future, this experienced farmer or rancher is working to pass down their wisdom to the next generation, assuring their good example and agricultural legacy lives on.

FARMERS GUILD LEADER OF THE YEAR

COLBY ACCACIAN,
COYOTE FAMILY FARM
Whether new or old, farmer or food advocate, this individual volunteers their time and ​creativity to help lead their local Farmers Guild, a valuable resource  for the whole community.​​

CLIMATE SMART FARMER OF THE YEAR

JUDITH REDMOND,
FULL BELLY FARM
This pioneering farmer is leading the way in regenerative ag practices, proving to peers, policymakers and the world that farmers can fight climate change from the ground up.
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FARM POLICY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

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JOHN LaBOYTEAUX
Whether at City Hall or Sacramento, this soil-loving policy advocate fights for legislation that supports family farms and builds healthier food systems for all.
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PAST HONOREES

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2017

​NEW FARMER OF THE YEAR
Isabel Quiroz & Hunter Flynn, Tequio Community Farm

​LEGACY FARMER OF THE YEAR
​Maria Catalán, Calatan Family Farm

​FOOD & FARM ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Suzy Grady, Petaluma Bounty

FARMERS GUILD LEADER OF THE YEAR
Laurel Greyson, San Diego Farmers Guild

FOOD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Tim Page, FEED Sonoma
2016

​NEW FARMER OF THE YEAR
GOWAN BATIST, FORTUNATE FARM

​LEGACY FARMER OF THE YEAR
TERRY HARRISON, FOXWHELP FARM

​FOOD & FARM ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
SARAH BODNAR, GOOD FOOD FUND

FARMERS GUILD LEADER OF THE YEAR
SETH CHAPIN, EVERMORE FLOWERS & NAPA FARMERS GUILD

FOOD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
SAMANTHA & RYAN RAMEY, ESTERO CAFE

2014 - 2015

Wendy Krupnik
Nick Papadopoulos
Heather Granahan
Annie Hehner
Michael Foley
Janae Lloyd
Lawrence Jaffe
Ruthie King