Meet Pierre Hahn, co-founder of Kearsarge Food Hub and Manager of Sweet Beet Farm.

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Where are you from?

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Pierre:  I am from France and I grew up there and moved to the United States when I was 13.

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Why did you and co-founders establish Kearsarge Food Hub? What community needs did you identify that drew you to this path?

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Pierre: We established the Kearsarge Food Hub with the deep and obvious need that was presented to us in our times. To have access to nutritious locally grown food and to nourish our community with it, while simultaneously reconnecting
to the gratitude that we have for all that our earth gives us and to share that feeling with our community as well.

 

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What keeps you motivated and dedicated to this transformative food system work?

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Pierre: In a world that is only getting more unstable on a global level there is no better action an individual can make but to help stabilize the region in which they live. Local food access is a fundamental pillar to a stable and thriving community. Solutions, today, must be found within ourselves and within our communities, not outside of ourselves or someplace else in the world. Let our community be an example of the change we wish to see in the world, and may the great advances in communication show and make replicable this sustainable model.

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What are some of your favorite things that Sweet Beet Farm grows?

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Pierre: Food as medicine is a tenant that we all hold dear so I have particularly enjoyed watching and using some of the medicinal plants the earth grows on Sweet Beet Farm. Especially ginger, turmeric and holy basil!

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How long have you been a member of NOFA-NH? Why did you become a member?

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Pierre: We have been a NOFA member for a few years. We joined because it is a great organization that encourages agricultural practices that honor and feed the earth rather than depleting it. #savesoil

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Why is organic farming important to you?

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Pierre: Organic farming is important to me because it is a step in the direction of living in symbiosis with the earth. Organic processes are mostly natural and regenerate the soil. So much better than spraying harmful chemicals. It is so important for us to heal and nourish our soils and organic gardening is a step in that direction.

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What do you hope for the future of our New Hampshire food system?

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Pierre: I would love to see more folks shopping from local farms and farmers’ markets. Gathering the foods that sustain us from our fellow farmers and makers provides a connection to our environment that has been mostly lost over the years.

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What do you hope for the future of our New Hampshire food system?

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Pierre: I hope that we can attract as many young farmers as possible and teach them how to live with the land and create sustainable farms that could feed the state for generations to come.

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What advice do you have for anyone thinking about getting involved in food system work?

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Pierre: My advice would be: Bring your enthusiasm, be ready to get your hands in the soil everyday and make sure that you understand and practice self care. As fulfilling as this journey is, it is not an easy one either, and in order for this to work we need grounded and healthy human beings to do it. We don’t only need “human doings” we need “human beings” as well. Or as someone wise once said "Be the change you wish to see in our world."

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How does NOFA-NH membership benefit you?

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Pierre: NOFA-NH benefits me because it allows me to have a network with other organic farmers and allows me to create deeper connections and explore collaboration amongst our farming community

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How can the community best support the work of the Kearsarge Food Hub? Do you have any upcoming events that you want to share with us?

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Pierre: You can support our work at the food hub by following us on social media @kearsargefoodhub and @sweetbeetnh and signing up for our newsletter via www.kearsargefoodhub.org to stay in touch and share things with your friends and
family that resonate with you! Join us on November 1st for our 2nd annual Love Local: Meet your farmers and makers FREE virtual event. We’re really excited to showcase five farmers and makers from throughout NH that practice the solutions that are at the heart of our work here at KFH. Thank you so much for your time and attention!