Meredith and Yannick Favre

Meredith Favre is a passionate entomologist and dedicated public servant, using her deep knowledge of insects to support farmers, strengthen local food systems, and reconnect North Carolinians with the land they call home. Born and raised in the heart of North Carolina, Meredith’s journey reflects a beautiful balance of scientific excellence and heartfelt service to her community.

Her love for bugs began in childhood—wandering woods and fields, curious about every crawling creature. That early wonder blossomed into a Biology degree with honors from the University of North Carolina and, later, a Master of Science in Entomology from NC State University, where her research on flour beetles advanced our understanding of pest genetics and sustainable control.

Meredith began her career in the biotech industry, where she stood out as a brilliant entomologist developing innovative solutions for agriculture. But she soon felt the pull of something more grounded: a desire to serve the people of her state more directly.

Today, Meredith works as an Extension Agent and Local Food Coordinator in Lee County, managing the Sanford Farmers Market and championing local farms. She connects growers to consumers, resources, and each other—building bridges between science, soil, and society. Her unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship makes her an invaluable part of both her local community and the broader mission of Sunset Hill Farm NC LLC.

Meredith’s journey from the lab to the land is a testament to her purpose-driven life: one rooted in curiosity, compassion, and a profound love for her home state.

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Yannick Favre is a farmer, scientist, and visionary dedicated to building a better world—one plant, one person, and one partnership at a time. Born in the Jura mountains of France in 1988, Yannick was raised on his grandparents’ small dairy farm, where his love for nature, resilience, and hands-on learning took root. From an early age, he saw the power of land and community to nurture both crops and character.

With a background in agronomy and genetic engineering, Yannick began his professional journey with Bayer CropScience in France before being expatriated to the United States in 2011 to help advance agricultural biotechnology. Over the years, he led major projects at Bayer and later at BASF, contributing to innovative solutions in plant science. Despite his success in the corporate world, he longed to reconnect with his roots and serve a deeper purpose.

In 2021, after a period of personal transformation and healing following the loss of his grandfather, Yannick made a bold decision to shift course. He immersed himself in farming again—this time in North Carolina—apprenticing and learning from the land with renewed purpose. What emerged was Sunset Hill Farm NC LLC, a micro farm-nursery hybrid located in Cary, NC, built to teach, inspire, and empower sustainably.

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Sunset Hill Farm is more than a farm. It’s a fellowship. Through the T.I.E.S. Initiative (Teach, Inspire, Empower Sustainably), Yannick brings people together to grow food, grow hope, and grow stronger communities. Whether it’s distributing Purple Tomatoes, mentoring new growers, or hosting workshops and plant sales, Yannick’s mission is simple: to heal the world, through plants and purpose.

Today, Sunset Hill Farm bridges science and soul, production and purpose—planting seeds of change in hearts and gardens across North Carolina and beyond.