Charles “Chaz” Holt has been hired to serve as a Farmer Liaison to assist in sourcing local and sustainable food that can be used throughout Emory Dining locations at Emory University.  Chaz is uniquely qualified for the Farmer Liaison job. A Georgia native, in 2006 Chaz returned to his family’s farm in Kingston, Georgia from Joliet, Montana where he ran an organic farm and farm supply business, started a farmers’ market, and served as agricultural innovation coordinator for his area, providing growers with marketing and financial assistance, and helping them sell product to local restaurants and stores. “Chaz brings strong organic farming skills, as well as hands-on experience gained in Montana where he participated in building infrastructure for a local food system,” said Alice Rolls, Executive Director of Georgia Organics.  “Chaz has worked on both sides of the agricultural world – organic and conventional – and can bring those unique perspectives as we work to encourage more local farmers to grow using sustainable methods.”

Emory’s collaboration with Georgia Organics, a leader in Georgia’s sustainable agriculture movement, leverages that group’s connections with farmers who can grow and produce fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy for Emory’s future demand.  Emory’s efforts compliment the nonprofit Georgia Organics’ strategic direction, which includes developing a working model of farm-to-institution purchasing that can be replicated or leveraged by other organizations in the state. Rolls stated, “We’re excited to partner with Emory.  Their initiative will help us build the template for other schools, businesses, and hospitals that would like to pursue a similar path. Emory is demonstrating leadership that will galvanize healthy food choices, increase sustainable farming, and revitalize local economies, throughout the state.”  The Farmer Liaison position is jointly funded by Georgia Organics along with Emory’s Office of Sustainability Initiatives and Emory Dining.      

Learn more about Chaz and his family by visiting www.holtfarmsupply.com 

Chaz's wife Georgia and their daughter Ellie

checking on how the fields are coming along.