Greg Cox of Boardman Hill Farm, Rutland, wins award

Greg Cox of Boardman Hill Farm won the 2026 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award

The Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award is given annually to a farmer in recognition of outstanding service to community, land stewardship, and innovation. It honors the legacy of Eric Rozendaal, an innovative farmer who ran a vegetable farm in Starksboro, VT with his wife, Keenan.  

This year’s $5,000 award went to Greg Cox, who has been owner, manager, and worker at Boardman Hill Farm in West Rutland, VT since its inception more than 40 years ago.

Boardman Hill is an 81-acre family farm producing certified organic vegetables, chicken, and pork, as well as specialty jams and frozen, vacuum-packed vegetables. In addition to running the farm, Greg has hosted interns and apprentices, providing housing, food, stipends, and training to those looking to become future farmers. Greg has also been instrumental in starting winter farmers’ markets in Rutland and Ludlow and co-founding the Vermont Farmers Food Center.  

In accepting the award, Greg said, “Winning this award is humbling, knowing all the talented and amazing farmers in this state and all they have done. Awards like this shine a light on the work of farmers, and the effects that farmers can have on the environment and their communities.”  

Greg lives on the farm with his wife, Gay, and their son, Avery, and his partner. The award will enable them to replace the roof on their 30-year-old main greenhouse to eliminate leaks, improve light and insulation, and thus increase plant quality and yields.

When asked about his thoughts on the future of Vermont farms and farmers, Greg added, “Food is the foundation of human health and potential. I wish for Vermont farms and farmers to continue to work with nature and the land in a sustainable and responsible way, and continue to grow a local food system that feeds all its citizens regardless of economic capacity.”