Summertime in New Hampshire is the picture of perfection. It is also one of the best times to enjoy the local foods the region has to offer. What better time to participate in a local foods potluck and attend a presentation on Stonyfield Farm’s success in maintaining an organics and sustainable business right here in the Granite State. Gary Hirshberg, President and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, will speak Thursday, July 22, 7pm at Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany. A local foods potluck for Tin Mountain members kicks off the evening at 5pm.
Stonyfield Farm, celebrating its 27th year, is the world’s leading organic yogurt company.
Stonyfield advocates that healthy food can only come from a healthy planet; through the use of organic ingredients, they are able to keep over 100,000 farm acres free of toxic, persistent pesticides and chemical fertilizers that can contaminate soil, rivers and drinking water. To help reduce climate change, Stonyfield offsets all of the C02 emissions generated from its facility’s energy use and donates 10% of its profits to efforts that help protect and restore the Earth. The company also founded a nonprofit called Climate Counts that shows people how they can help fight climate change by the way they shop and invest.
Gary Hirshberg is President and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm and he has overseen the growth of the company from its infancy as a seven-cow organic farming school in 1983 to its current $350 million in annual sales. A New Hampshire native, Gary is the husband of writer Meg Hirshberg, and the father of three college age yogurt-eaters. He is also the head coach of a Girls U17 travel soccer team and the Assistant Coach of the Concord High School girls varsity tennis team.
In his presentation, Gary will discuss his experience maintaining a profitable, green, socially responsible company while addressing large-scale organic agriculture and sustainable economic development. He will speak to the business opportunities and the lifestyle choices available that represent a winning combination for communities, the economy, and the environment. White Birch Books of North Conway will be on hand for individuals interested in purchasing Gary’s 2008 book, Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World.
Gary’s presentation will be preceded by a local foods potluck for members of Tin Mountain Conservation Center. The event provides the perfect opportunity to sample the culinary array the Mount Washington Valley has to offer. We encourage members to join us for both events and ask that you call for reservations as space is limited. We would also love to get a headcount and menu for individuals attending the potluck. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Outreach Coordinator Nora Dufilho at 447-6991 or nbeem@tinmountain.org.