With over three decades of expertise, Hartshorn Farm is a certified organic farm committed to supplying our community and visitors with the freshest and highest quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, maple syrup, and other farm-fresh products.
Situated on the bustling Route 100 in Waitsfield, Vermont, we cater to both the local community and a discerning tourist market, positioning us as a premier destination for those seeking an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Our unwavering dedication to sustainability and excellence is evidenced by our continuous efforts to expand our offerings and pioneer innovative ways to engage people with our farm.
We’d love to see you on the farm!
Who's behind Hartshorn Farm? Dave Hartshorn & Amy Todisco
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?
From the Upper East Side of NYC to Hartshorn Organic Farm
Dave’s life partner and creative force around the farm, Amy, is a multifaceted individual with a passion for sustainable living, wellness, and personal growth. Her extensive background in green living, personal and spiritual growth, coaching, and leadership positions her as a trusted expert in her field.
Growing up in the heart of New York City, her mom was a die-hard follower of nutrition guru Adele Davis in the '70s. She was all about healthy living through proper nutrition. It wasn't until Amy landed a job in a health food store at 16 that she ventured into the world of organic food, macrobiotic diets, juice fasts, and herbs. And, as soon as she left Manhattan, she started growing plants everywhere and anywhere that she could.
Green Living Coaching/Mentoring/Consulting
For over 28 years, she's been a nationally recognized green living expert and mentor and consultant who got the attention of Oprah. An early pioneer in the green living movement, she's been featured on HGTV, Vermont Public Radio & TV, and a variety of other TV and radio stations, podcasts, and print magazines and newspapers. Amy is the technical editor of the book, Green Living for Dummies.
She’s launching a new podcast called The Green Living Now Podcast! Launch date is around June 1, 2024.
Amy’s Leadership
Amy is a 2002 Rockwood Leadership Training program graduate and has held significant leadership roles, including a 2-year tenure as the Board Chair of the local Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she has founded or co-founded several nonprofits, serving as Executive Director for organizations like the Household Toxins Institute, the Marblehead Cancer Prevention Project, the Mad River Valley Wellness Alliance, and the Vermont Farm Immersion Program.
Amy’s Life Reinvention Coaching:
Amy has been a transformational life reinvention coach for 17 years and a facilitator of personal growth and wellness retreats for over 9 years. Her unique approach to coaching has empowered many to create a new life after major changes, focusing on areas such as relocating, pursuing passion-based businesses, finding a soulmate, and achieving wellness. Her one-on-one coaching offers clarity, realistic plans, and positive change in less time, drawing on her intuitive insights to brainstorm creative solutions.
On the Farm
On the farm, Amy organizes and leads distinctive food and farm tours, personal growth and wellness retreats, and co-facilitates workshops with Dave. She has also developed and led kids' camps, workshops, farm-to-table dinners, and seasonal food festivals over the years. In the past 15 years, she has dedicated substantial effort to supporting the farm's growth.
To read the rest of her story, check out her coaching website.
