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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Sara Unrue
Horizon Organic
(303) 635-4680
sara.unrue@whitewave.comLuana Hancock
Horizon Organic® and the University of New Hampshire Join Forces to Advance Organic Management Practices by Sponsoring Dairy Barn
BROOMFIELD, Colo., January 9, 2007 – Horizon Organic® yesterday announced their commitment and partnership to sponsor the construction of a new organic dairy research barn at the University of New Hampshire's (UNH's) Burley-Demeritt Farm. The company's contribution helps to fund the university's dairy farm and learning center focused on organic milk production, which carries a $1.8 million price tag.
Horizon Organic joined UNH and other contributors in celebrating the fundraising, building, calving, and organic certification milestones at Burley-Demeritt Farm in Lee, N.H.
"We are excited to be involved in this project because UNH's mission, which is to provide ongoing research and education about organic milk production, is in sync with an industry that is experiencing amazing growth," says Joe Scalzo, chief executive officer of Horizon Organic's parent company, WhiteWave Foods. "One of our goals is to continue to work with the industry to advance the principles of organic milk production, and holistic cow care and farm management practices; so, helping with this project is a natural extension of that mission."
Launched in December 2005, UNH's organic dairy research farm is the first of its kind at a land-grant university. The facility, which currently houses a 46-cow Jersey milking herd, will ultimately support 80 cows on 200 certified organic acres. It will provide much-needed educational and science-based research for present and future organic dairy farmers, while helping to secure the future of the northeast's farming heritage.
The barn, being funded by Horizon Organic, is slated for construction in 2007. The facility will house mature dairy animals and provide protection from the elements, while giving the best possible care when they are not on pasture.
"Providing dairy cattle with housing that protects them from the elements, allows them freedom of movement, keeps them comfortable, and helps them to maintain optimum health throughout the year are top priorities on Horizon Organic's own dairy farms," says Kelly Shea, vice president of organic stewardship at Horizon Organic. "So this barn is a great investment because UNH's organic dairy research farm wants to be able to provide those same standards."
According to UNH, students will use the dairy farm and the herd of purebred Jersey cows as teaching tools to learn the best organic livestock and farm management practices for optimum production. The dairy will also provide important research on organic milk production, nutrition, rotational grazing, and other grazing and feeding options that will aid the industry.
"We all have to work together as an industry to help dairy farmers convert to organic so they can keep farming, stay independent, and implement sustainable business practices that protect our natural resources. This is an effort that supports that cause," says Scalzo.
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 353 certified organic dairy farms and providing certified organic dairy products to natural foods retailers and supermarkets across the country. Horizon Organic's products are produced without the use of antibiotics, added growth hormones, and harmful pesticides. That's the organic promise from our farmers to consumers. For more information on the growing world of organic, visit www.horizonorganic.com
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Food produced without antibiotics, added growth hormones or pesticides means better health and a cleaner environment.
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