In early May, Farmer Lee Jones of The Chef’s Garden, in Huron, Ohio, received the James Beard Foundation's “Who’s Who” award. The award is given to “individuals in the U.S. food and beverage industry who have made significant and lasting achievements and contributions to their profession.” Farmer Lee Jones is the first farmer to be named with the honor. “The James Beard Foundation Awards shine a spotlight on the best and brightest talent in the food and beverage industry,” notes the James Beard website.
The Chef’s Garden is a family farm, that grows, packages, and ships specialty vegetables and herbs directly to chefs, and is committed to sustainable agricultural practices that replenish nutrients depleted from the soil naturally. “It is truly an honor for The Chef's Garden to be recognized for our sustainable agricultural approach to farming. To be the first vegetable farmer ever recognized is truly a very special sentiment to our entire family and team,” said Jones of his recent induction. “It is a real privilege to establish relationships with like-minded folks, wherever they may exist in the world."