Organic Farmer, Dave Hartshorn

Dave Hartshorn is not your typical farmer. His connection to the land runs deep, starting with his early days working on his family's dairy farm and in the maple syrup business. He still operates the maple sugaring business with his father, carrying on a tradition that has been in the family for five generations.

But Dave's journey into vegetable and fruit farming is like something out of a storybook. It all began one fateful day when he tossed a handful of pumpkin seeds into the compost pile at the farm as he went to feed the cows. To his amazement, beautiful large orange pumpkins appeared in the Fall after a frost had killed off the weeds in the pile. This unexpected surprise led to a business opportunity that would eventually finance his college education.

Operating his farm with the philosophy of sustainability and healthy stewardship, Dave made the decision over 30 years ago to become certified organic. He believes in putting back what he takes out of the land, and this commitment to regenerative farming has set him apart in the industry. In fact, he was the first farmer in the Mad River Valley to go organic!

With over 25 years as the founding farmer at the Waitsfield Farmer's Market, Dave has established himself as a trusted source of fresh organic produce. He sells direct from his farm stand 7 days a week from early June through the end of October, and also supplies a few select stores with his bountiful harvest.

In addition to his work with organic produce, Dave was also a founding owner/partner of the year-round, hydroponic greenhouse, Green Mountain Harvest Hydroponic. Specializing in the cultivation of lettuce, basil, and watercress free of GMO’s and toxic synthetic chemicals. Despite his relatively recent decision to sell his shares in May of 2021, after about 10 years of running the business with 2 partners, it’s clear that Dave has made a significant impact in the field of organic agriculture.

Dave's commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices has earned him several awards, including the 2009 Conservation Farm of the Year from the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District, Best Produce from the American Institute of Wine & Food, and Best in Show for Maple Syrup from the Vermont Farm Show. His dedication to excellence is unwavering, and his innovative approach to farming has made a lasting impact on the community,

Who’s Amy (Todisco) Hartshorn?
From the Upper East Side of NYC to Hartshorn Organic Farm

Dave’s wife and the creative force behind many of the farm’s most inspiring experiences, Amy (Todisco) Hartshorn is more than a green living advocate—she’s a catalyst for personal and planetary transformation.

With decades of experience in sustainability, wellness, and purposeful living, Amy has been a trusted voice in the field long before it was mainstream. She served as the tech editor for Green Living for Dummies, was the Founding Executive Director for the Household Toxins Institute started by the Founder of Seventh Generation, and has inspired thousands of people toward healthier, greener, more holistic lifestyles. Her new Green Living Now podcast brings these insights to a global audience.

Amy was recently selected to deliver a TEDx talk (date TBD)) on detoxing not just our homes and bodies, but the narratives that keep us stuck—proof that her work is as timely as it is transformational.

Whether she's guiding a farm tour, running the farm stand, hosting a workshop, or teaching online, Amy brings heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to everything she does

Her Journey

Growing up on the upper east side of New York City, her path to green living began early, working at a health food store at 16. The turning point came during her pregnancy when she discovered a book about toxins in everyday products—revealing how much our environment impacts health. This realization set her on a 30+ year mission to empower others to live cleaner, healthier lives. Through hands-on experience, consulting, teaching and now expert-led courses and the upcoming Green Living Now podcast, she’s here to help you make sustainable changes that last.

Experience & Impact

With over three decades dedicated to green living, her journey includes serving as the technical editor for the Green Living for Dummies book, founding the Household Toxins Institute with Seventh Generation, and consulting with clients like a Phish band member. Her work has been featured on HGTV, and she even had an almost-Oprah moment when one of her producers reached out. She regularly shares useable information via podcast and written interviews, as well as videos and posts on social media. These experiences allow her to bring practical, proven solutions for a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle. 

Personal Insights

Amy’s connection to nature began with summers on Martha’s Vineyard, Long Island and the New Jersey shore, and skiing in Vermont, which sparked a lifelong love of the environment. 

For the past 16 years, she’s lived on the organic farm with Dave, where they enjoy cooking from scratch, family time, and their two dogs, Charlie and Leila. She’s passionate about reading, learning, traveling, and inspiring others to make a difference.

To read the rest of her story, check out her Green Living website.

Grab Amy’s free gift—her eBook, Hidden Dangers: A Guide to the Most Toxic Chemicals Lurking in Your Home