Mark and Kena Guttridge, owners of Ollin Farms will be the keynote speakers at this year's Sustainable Resilient Longmont Sustainability awards. The couple's farm is located at 8627 N. 95th St. #7718 and hosts an annual Community Supported Agriculture program, education programs for youth and a farmstand with fresh produce to purchase. More than that, the couple strive to produce nutrient rich foods by utilizing regenerative agricultural practices.
The seventh annual Longmont Sustainability Awards will focus on sustainable agriculture making the Guttridges' speech an important message to hear.
“The importance of sustainable growing practices cannot be over emphasized. By focusing on agriculture this year we hope to bring new awareness and understanding of where and how our food is grown. We aim to encourage everyone to look more closely at the sources of their own daily meals,” said Event Coordinator Gina Burrows.
"Whether it is feeding our family or supplying our community, our focus at Ollin Farms has always been to produce the most nutritious and flavorful produce possible. Our nutrient-dense farming model is founded on getting the right nutrients, in the right proportions into an active, living soil. All of our produce is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides- not even the organic approved ones. Ultimately, it is the soil that will determine the health of everything that grows out of it, including the farm and the community," the Guttridges state on their website.
To further emphsize the importance of sustainable agriculture, the meal at the event will be supported by local food systems including FED (Farm Eats Direct), Ollin Farms and other local providers, all within 10 miles of Longmont.
The event will also mark the announcement of other local award recipients:
- Volunteer of the Year: Susan Legler
- Public Servant of the Year: Francie Jaffe
- Sustainable Business of the Year: Simply Bulk Market
- Zero Waste Champion: Nicole Manesh
- Renewable Energy Pioneer: Elliot Freeman
The Awards event is also SRL’s annual fundraiser, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards SRL’s mission of local sustainability and focus areas of Renewable Energy, Zero Waste, and Earth Day.
“SRL is proud to be part of the vibrant Longmont Community, and this event is an opportunity to celebrate and honor local sustainability achievements,” said Board Chair Naomi Curland. “We look forward to celebrating with you on November 2nd.”
The Awards will be held at the Residence Inn in Longmont. For more information on the event, including program, tickets and silent auction, please visit
https://www.srlongmont.org/2024-sustainability-awards.html.
