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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jarod Ballentine Cream of the CropP Among Organic Dairy Farmers Recognized by Horizon OrganicŪ BOULDER, Colo. (June 13, 2006) -- Horizon OrganicŪ, the nation's first certified organic dairy brand in the U.S., today announced its Exceptional Quality Award winners to honor its farmers as part of the company's Producer Milk Quality Program. From Maine: From Vermont and New Hampshire: From Pennsylvania: From New York: From Minnesota: From Wisconsin: From Oregon:"Our mission is to convert more acres to organic and provide the highest quality organic dairy products to as many consumers as possible," said Jule Taylor, general manager of milk procurement for Horizon Organic. "The Producer Milk Quality Program reflects our mission, providing consumers great-tasting, high quality products nationwide. In addition, our farmers benefit as they are paid a premium above the organic pay price. We are dedicated to the livelihood of our farmer partners, and will continue to be through a long-term sustainable price so organic farmers can keep farming." Currently, 340 family farms ship 80 percent of Horizon Organic's supply. Horizon Organic continues to expand its resources and support family farms nationwide by increasing the number of organic dairy farmers in its network, signing on more than 57 new farmers in 2005 and 25 to date in 2006. In addition, 200 farmers are in the process of transitioning to organic through the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) initiative. The HOPE program, founded in 2001, provides financial and educational support to dairy farmers over the three-year required transition to certified organic, per U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Horizon Organic is currently recruiting new farmer partners who are interested in transitioning to organic farming. For more information, farmers in the Eastern U.S. should contact Cindy Masterman at (888) 648-8377 or Peter Slaunwhite at (800) 381-0980. Farmers in the Midwest and Western U.S., should contact Mike Bandstra at (877) 620-8259. About HORIZON ORGANIC Horizon Organic, founded in 1991, was the first certified organic dairy to distribute products nationally in the United States. The company remains true to its vision for a more organic planet, purchasing milk from 340 certified organic dairy farms and providing certified organic dairy products to natural foods retailers and supermarkets across the country. Horizon Organic products are produced without the use of harmful pesticides, antibiotics or added growth hormones and always will be. That's the organic promise from our farmers to consumers. For more information on the growing world of organic, visit www.horizonorganic.com |
  Food produced without antibiotics, added growth hormones or pesticides means better health and a cleaner environment.    |
