BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 17, 2007 – Horizon Organic® invites students, who are pursuing degrees in organic milk production and alternative veterinary science, to apply for a brand new scholarship program.

As an extension of its dairy farmer education and information efforts under the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program, Horizon Organic will award annual scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. They will be awarded to selected farm family members participating in the HOPE program (currently shipping milk to Horizon Organic) and working towards a degree in agriculture or veterinary science that will later be used within the organic industry.

"Our HOPE program has been around since 2001 with a focus on converting more dairy farm operations and their land to organic production and sustainable farm management practices. We are delighted to add the scholarship program because it is a natural extension of our efforts to nurture the future of the organic community," says Kelly Shea, vice president, industry relations and organic stewardship, Horizon Organic. "We need young, bright people to be personally engaged and passionate about this business from farm to fork."

According to Shea, eligible candidates must be a current Horizon Organic producer participating in the HOPE program or children or grandchildren of the producer. Currently the company purchases organic milk from 349 farms in 22 states from Maine to Oregon. These farms range in size from 12 to 1,500 cows. Another 167 family farms are in the process of transitioning to certified organic with the help of the HOPE program.

Scholarship winners will be announced in July and funds will be available on August 1, 2007. All applications will be reviewed by a panel of organic experts assembled by Horizon Organic. The review panel will be composed of specialists in the areas of organic agriculture, veterinary science, and natural retail.


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