Clinton Ray Miller Award
Honoring service, stewardship, and leadership in agriculture and community
Clinton was a fourth-generation Utahn who grew up working in his family honey business — Miller Honey Company. Hard work and perseverance were simply part of who he was. He later founded Clinton’s Wheat Shop, and became one of the fiercest advocates for health freedom our state — and nation — has ever known.
From 1962–1990, Clinton served as a legislative advocate for the National Health Federation, defending the right to choose natural food and farm-based health. When the FDA raided his bakery for making “health claims” about bread baked from an old family recipe, Clint famously declared:
“That does it! Bonnie — pack the bags. We’re moving to Washington.” And he meant it.
He spent decades walking the halls — listening, teaching, convincing, protecting. A quiet warrior for farmers, families, and the freedom to choose what we put in our mouths.
Even at the very end of his life, he was still calling legislators between cups of raw goat milk — fighting to change Utah’s raw milk laws so that farmers and consumers could connect directly. Working for others, right up to his last breath.
He was a mentor. A friend. A man of conviction. And we are still benefiting from his work today.
In his honor, Red Acre Center presents the Clinton Ray Miller Food & Agriculture Legacy Award to one individual each year at the Utah Farm & Food Conference — recognizing those who show up for farmers, land, and community with the same quiet strength Clinton embodied. Because service like that deserves to be remembered.
2026
Chef Shon Foster
​Chef Shon Foster was recognized for his leadership in connecting restaurants with local agriculture through his work running multiple food businesses in Utah. A former farmer himself, Shon brings a producer’s perspective into commercial kitchens and has consistently worked to incorporate local ingredients. Beyond his restaurants, he donates significant time to Red Acre Center, working behind the scenes in the kitchen to help make food at community events both thoughtful and delicious.
2025
Tony RIchards
Tony Richards was recognized for his exceptional leadership in advancing soil health across Utah. Through education, mentorship, and on-the-ground collaboration with farmers of all scales, Tony has helped build uncommon common ground around the five principles of soil health.
Tony has also played a key role in helping secure over one million dollars in funding for soil health equipment, expanding access and impact statewide.
2024
AlDine Grossi
“Punk Rock Farmer Al”
Aldine “Al” Grossi—known as Punk Rock Farmer Al—is a community gardener and advocate for local food and home growing in the Salt Lake City area. On KRCL’s “Punk Rock Farmer Fridays”, he shares gardening insights and encourages backyard food production and community food autonomy. Grossi’s unique blend of DIY punk ethos and gardening education aims to inspire people to grow their own food and strengthen local resilience.
2023
Gwen Crist
Gwen Crist has been a passionate advocate for local food and small farmers for decades. Raised on an organic farm and now serving as the Utah Farmers Market Network Handbook Coordinator, she has deep experience organizing markets, events, and educational activities that strengthen local food systems. Gwen served on the Board of Directors for Slow Food Utah for more than 11 years—10 of them as Chair—where she helped launch programs like Eat Local Week, the Honeybee Festival, and the Feast of Five Senses fundraiser to support local food microgrants. She also serves on the Board of Urban Food Connections of Utah and has played a key role in strategic planning and local food initiatives statewide.
2022
Marc Roberts
​Marc Roberts was recognized for his leadership in advancing farmer-focused food policy and his long-term service to Red Acre Center. During his time in the Utah State Legislature, Marc played a key role in supporting raw milk legislation and other efforts that expanded food choice and strengthened direct relationships between farmers and consumers. In addition to his legislative work, Marc served on the Board of Red Acre Center, helping guide the organization’s mission to support local agriculture and farmer education.
