REGION – The Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2026 class of inductees, recognizing individuals whose dedication, leadership, and innovation have made a lasting impact on Vermont agriculture.
For more than two decades, the Agricultural Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of farmers, growers, agricultural professionals, service providers, and industry advocates who have helped strengthen Vermont’s agricultural community. Since its founding, the hall of fame has honored more than 120 individuals whose contributions continue to shape the state’s agricultural legacy.
In recent years, the program has expanded to recognize excellence across a broader range of accomplishments, including categories for Emerging Leader (under age 40), Agricultural Innovator, and up to three Lifetime Achievement honorees. The strength and diversity of this year’s nominations once again reflected the talent, commitment, and passion found throughout Vermont agriculture.
The Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame extends its appreciation to everyone who submitted nominations and helped recognize deserving individuals across the industry. The organization looks forward to receiving another outstanding group of nominations in 2027.
Paul Harlow, of Westminster, Vt., was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Harlow Farm in Westminster is a multigenerational family farm led by Harlow, the third generation to steward the land. Raised on the original 180-acre homestead, Harlow developed an early passion for agriculture and took over operations in 1974. He quickly began transforming the farm through innovative organic practices in response to declining soil health. By the early 1980s, he had fully transitioned the farm to organic production – becoming one of the region’s pioneers in the movement – and later helped found the Deep Root Organic Co-op, one of New England’s first organic farmer cooperatives. Over time, the farm expanded significantly to more than 375 acres, evolving into one of the largest and most established organic vegetable operations in the Northeast, supplying fresh produce to local markets, co-ops, grocery stores, and communities along the East Coast.
Beyond farming, Harlow has been a dedicated innovator, educator, and community leader. He has mentored generations of young farmers, contributed to agricultural organizations such as NOFA, and shared his expertise at regional and national conferences on sustainable and efficient farming systems. His forward-thinking approach integrates vegetable production with livestock and soil regeneration, creating a closed-loop system that strengthens both productivity and environmental health. Deeply committed to community service, he has served in local government, supported food security initiatives through major donations to food banks, and helped establish educational programs like the Westminster Center School Garden. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including statewide recognition for service and sustainability. Above all, Harlow is known for his dedication to preserving the land, strengthening local agriculture, and passing on a thriving farm legacy – earning him a reputation as a true leader and “farmer’s farmer” in Vermont’s agricultural community.
Other inductees are Courtney Banach, of Addison, Vt., Emerging Leader; Heather Darby, of Alburgh, Vt., Agricultural Innovator; Dr. Ann Hazelrigg, of Williston, Vt., Lifetime Achievement; and Doug Flack, of Enosburg, Vt., Lifetime Achievement.
The 2026 inductees will be formally recognized and celebrated during the Champlain Valley Fair later this summer. Congratulations to the 2026 inductees and a big thank-you to the presenting sponsors.