Celebrating Excellence: Oregon’s Organic Industry Honors Leaders at Annual Awards Ceremony

Oregon‘s Organic Trailblazers Honored at Annual Awards

Published 10:00 am Friday, September 19, 2025

The dedication and innovation within Oregon’s thriving organic sector were recognized earlier this month at the 2025 Oregon Organic Awards for Excellence. The ceremony celebrated individuals and businesses shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in the state.

Pioneering Leaders Recieve Legacy Awards

Tom Lively and Charlie Tilt were presented with Legacy awards, acknowledging their long-standing commitment to the organic movement. lively, a foundational figure in Oregon’s organic farming landscape, established one of the state’s largest organic farms during the 1980s and further contributed by co-founding Organically Grown Company. He recently received the organic Trade Association’s Organic Lifetime Achievement award,solidifying his influential role.

Charlie tilt’s leadership at Hummingbird Wholesale was also lauded; his focus on a business model that meaningfully benefits customers, employees, and the farming community established a new standard. Hummingbird Wholesale,based in Eugene,transitioned to an employee-owned purpose trust in 2023,demonstrating a unique commitment to equitable ownership.

Farms Recognized for Innovation and Equity

Oshala Farm, a 290-acre regenerative organic operation near Grants Pass, received the farm of the year award for field, fiber, and orchard crops. The farm cultivates over 80 varieties of medicinal and culinary herbs and champions soil revitalization. Mountain Rose Herbs, a buyer of Oshala Farm’s produce, was named retailer of the year, celebrated for its dedication to trust and innovation within the organic marketplace and led by CEO Cameron Stearns.

Cardoza Dairy, located near Scio, was honored as the farm of the year for livestock and dairy. Owners Allison and Travis Cardoza’s pasture-based system exemplifies soil health stewardship and the production of high-quality, organic dairy through the Organic Valley Cooperative. Flying Coyote Farm, near sandy, secured the farm of the year distinction for equitable working conditions; Lili Tova’s operation prioritizes fairness, safety, and respect for its workforce, growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and raising poultry and swine.

Advocates and Researchers Honored for Dedication

Chris Schreiner received the organic Advocate award in recognition of his 27 years of service advancing organic agriculture through his work at Oregon Tilth and his contributions to national policy. Garry Stephenson, a professor emeritus at Oregon State university, was given the public service award for co-founding the Center for Resilient Agriculture & Food systems and playing a key role in establishing the university’s Organic Agriculture Program.

Culinary and Distribution Innovators Acknowledged

Comida KIN, a Hillsboro-based farm-forward food truck owned by Rodrigo Huerta and Mary Hatz, was named the restaurant/chef/caterer of the year. B-Line Urban Delivery of Portland earned the processor/handler/distributor of the year award.Utilizing electronic freight tricycles, B-Line strengthens essential connections between local farmers, food producers, and regional communities.

Scientific Contributions to Organic Viticulture

Rob Schultz, vineyard manager of Lemelson Vineyards in Carlton, received the scientist/researcher/conservationist of the year award. Schultz has spent over two decades cultivating premium organic wine grapes, while also mentoring emerging growers through the Organic Winegrowers Network, which he founded.

“Our honorees represent the grit, sustainability and creativity that continue to drive Oregon’s organic movement,” stated Amy Wong, executive director of the Oregon Organic coalition.”Their work inspires us to envision and cultivate a more resilient future,” she added.

Did You Know? Oregon is a national leader in organic agriculture, consistently ranking among the top states for organic production and sales.

Award Category	Recipient	Location
legacy	Tom Lively	Oregon
Legacy	Charlie Tilt	Eugene, Oregon
Farm of the Year (Field, Fiber, & Orchard)	Oshala Farm	Grants Pass, Oregon
Retailer of the Year	Mountain Rose Herbs	Oregon

The Growth of Organic Agriculture in Oregon

Oregon’s commitment to organic agriculture is not merely a trend but a deeply rooted practice. The state’s favorable climate, combined with a strong community of farmers and advocates, has propelled it to the forefront of the organic movement. Over the past decade, organic farm acreage in Oregon has steadily increased, alongside consumer demand for certified organic products. The ongoing emphasis on regenerative agricultural practices, like those employed by Oshala Farm, demonstrates a commitment to long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The success of programs like the Oregon Organic Coalition showcase the importance of collaboration and support systems within the industry. These initiatives provide resources, education, and advocacy for organic farmers, strengthening the entire supply chain. With continued innovation and a dedication to core values, Oregon’s organic sector is poised for continued growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions About oregon Organic Agriculture

• What defines organic agriculture in Oregon? Organic agriculture in Oregon adheres to strict standards set by the USDA National Organic Program, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
• How can consumers support Oregon’s organic farmers? Consumers can actively support Oregon’s organic farmers by purchasing certified organic products, visiting farmers markets, and supporting local farm-to-table initiatives.
• What are the benefits of regenerative organic farming? Regenerative organic farming practices, like those used at Oshala Farm, promote soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance biodiversity, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.
• What role does the Oregon Organic Coalition play? The oregon Organic Coalition advocates for organic agriculture, provides resources to farmers, and fosters collaboration within the organic community.
• Where can I find more facts about Oregon’s organic industry? You can explore resources from the Oregon Department of Agriculture ([https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/organic/Pages/index.aspx](https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/organic/Pages/index.aspx)) and the Oregon Organic Coalition ([https://oregonorganic.org/](https://oregonorganic.org/)).

What are your thoughts on the growing organic movement in Oregon? Share your comments below!

What specific biodynamic farming practices employed by Sunstone Vineyards contributed to their recognition as Organic Grower of the Year?

The Heart of Oregon’s Organic Movement

Oregon’s commitment to organic farming and sustainable agriculture is renowned.Each year, the state’s organic industry gathers to recognize the individuals and businesses driving innovation and upholding the highest standards.The annual awards ceremony, a cornerstone event for the Oregon organic community, celebrates achievements across various sectors – from growers and processors to advocates and researchers. This year’s event, held on September 18th, 2025, highlighted the dedication and resilience of those shaping the future of sustainable food systems in the Pacific Northwest.

2025 Award Recipients: A Spotlight on Innovation

The 2025 ceremony saw awards presented in several key categories. Here’s a look at some of the notable winners:

* Organic Grower of the Year: Sunstone Vineyards (Carlton, OR). Recognized for their pioneering work in biodynamic farming practices and commitment to soil health. Sunstone’s dedication to regenerative agriculture has set a new benchmark for Oregon wine production.

* Organic Processor of the Year: Stahlbush Island Farms (Corvallis, OR). Stahlbush was honored for their innovative freezing techniques that preserve the nutritional value of their organic fruits and vegetables, and their commitment to fair labor practices.

* Organic Advocate of the Year: Lisa Arkin (Executive Director, Beyond Toxics). Arkin received the award for her tireless advocacy for policies that protect organic agriculture from pesticide drift and promote ecological farming.

* Rising star Award: Emberglow Acres (Willamette Valley). This young farm was recognized for its innovative approach to direct-to-consumer sales through a thriving CSA program and online market.

* Research & education Award: Dr. Emily Carter (Oregon State University).Dr. Carter’s research on cover cropping and its impact on soil fertility and pest management was lauded for its practical applications for organic farmers.

The Growing Importance of Organic Certification in Oregon

oregon organic certification is a rigorous process, ensuring consumers receive genuinely organic products. The awards ceremony underscored the value of this certification and the dedication required to maintain it. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) plays a crucial role in overseeing the certification process,providing resources and support to organic producers.

Here’s why organic certification matters:

1. Consumer Trust: Certification provides assurance that products meet strict organic standards.
2. Market Access: Many retailers and wholesalers require organic certification for their products.
3. Premium Pricing: Organic produce and products often command higher prices in the marketplace.
4. Environmental Benefits: Organic farming practices promote biodiversity,soil health,and water conservation.

Benefits of supporting Oregon’s Organic Industry

Choosing Oregon-grown organic products offers a multitude of benefits, extending beyond personal health.

* Economic Impact: Supporting local organic farms strengthens the Oregon economy and creates jobs.

* Environmental Stewardship: Organic farming minimizes pollution and protects natural resources.

* Health & Wellness: Organic foods are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting better health.

* Community building: Local organic farms often foster strong connections with their communities through farmers’ markets and CSAs.

Case Study: The Impact of Regenerative Agriculture at Sunstone Vineyards

Sunstone Vineyards’ success exemplifies the power of regenerative agriculture. By focusing on soil health through practices like composting, cover cropping, and no-till farming, they’ve not only improved the quality of their grapes but also increased their farm’s resilience to climate change. Their approach has resulted in:

* Increased carbon sequestration in the soil.

* Reduced water usage.

* enhanced biodiversity.

* Improved grape yields and quality.

Trends Shaping the Future of Oregon Organic Agriculture

Several key trends are shaping the future of the Oregon organic sector:

* Climate-Smart Agriculture: Farmers are increasingly adopting practices that mitigate climate change and enhance resilience.

* Direct-to-Consumer Sales: CSAs, farmers’ markets, and online platforms are gaining popularity.

* Technological innovation: Precision agriculture and data analytics are helping farmers optimize their operations.

* Focus on Soil Health: Recognizing the vital role of soil in sustainable agriculture.

* Expansion of Organic Processing: More Oregon companies are investing in organic processing facilities.

Resources for Oregon Organic Producers & Consumers

* Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Organic Program: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/organic/Pages/index.aspx

* Oregon Tilth: https://tilth.org/ (Certification agency and educational resource)

* Travel Oregon: https://traveloregon.com/ (Discover farm-to-table experiences and organic farms across the state)

* Beyond Toxics: https://beyondtoxics.org/ (Advocacy institution for safer food and a healthier habitat)