From 2009 to 2014, the NRDC Growing Green Awards recognized the producers, entrepreneurs, activists, and bold thinkers who were changing the landscape of the American food industry. Each year, award recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees by an independent panel of sustainable food and agriculture experts—such as author Michael Pollan and thought leader Marion Nestle.
2014 Winners
Sustainable Livestock Producer
Will Harris, White Oak Pastures, Bluffton, Georgia
Pollinator Protector
Orley “Chip” Taylor, Monarch Watch, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Food and Farm Educator
John Reganold, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
2013 Winners
Food Producer
Russ Kremer, Heritage Acres, Frankenstein, Missouri
Business Leader
Larry Jacobs, Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, Pescadero, California
Food Justice Leader
Tezozomoc, South Central Farmers Health and Education Fund, Buttonwillow, California
Young Food Leader
Brianna Almaguer Sandoval, Healthy Corner Store Initiative, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2012 Winners
Food Producer
Gabe Brown, Brown’s Ranch, Bismarck, North Dakota
Business Leader
George Siemon, Organic Valley, La Farge, Wisconisin
Food Justice Leader
Lucas Benitez and Greg Asbed, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Immokalee, Florida
Young Food Leader
Andrea Northup, D.C. Farm to School Network, Washington, D.C.
2011 Winners
Food Producer
Jim Cochran, Swanton Berry Farm, Davenport, California
Business Leader
Pam Marrone, Marrone Bio Innovations, Davis, California
Knowledge Leader
Ann Cooper, Food Family Farming Foundation (now the Chef Ann Foundation), Boulder, Colorado
Young Food Leader
Molly Rockamann, EarthDance, Ferguson, Missouri
2010 Winners
Food Producer
Russ Lester, Dixon Ridge Farms, Winters, California
Business Leader
Karl Kupers, Shepherd’s Grain, Harrington, Washington
Thought Leader
Fred Kirschenmann, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills, New York
Water Steward
Mike Benziger, Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, California
2009 Winners
Food Producer
Will Allen, Growing Power, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Business Leader
Fedele Bauccio, Bon Appétit Management Co., Palo Alto, California
Thought Leader
James Harvie, Institute for a Sustainable Future, Duluth, Minnesota