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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
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Sara Unrue
Horizon Organic
(303) 635-4680
sara.unrue@whitewave.com
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Horizon Organic® Expands Organic Footprint Across Midwest
Adds new farmer-partners in two new states – Nebraska and South Dakota
Broomfield, Colo., June 20, 2007 – Horizon Organic®, which helped pioneer organic dairy farming practices 15 years ago, has expanded into two new "Heartland" states. This brings the company's total number of states with organic farmer-partners to 22. Seven family farms in Nebraska and one family farm in South Dakota joined Horizon Organic's growing number of farmer-partners.
The seven new farmer-partners in Nebraska are located in the northeast corner of the state near Bloomfield and Stanton. The herds range from 35 to 120 dairy cows. Mike Wortman, a new farmer-partner from Hartington, Neb., who grew up on a dairy farm, held a city job for the last 15 years and has returned to his roots. He began dairy farming in 2006 and manages a 90-cow herd.
"I like being an organic farmer because of the positive impact it has on the land," said Wortman. "I believe that the only way a small farmer like myself is going to stay in business is by converting to organic."
Family farms have been at the heart of Horizon Organic since the company's beginning and represent 80 percent of its milk supply. Horizon Organic currently has 350 family-partners in its network and 167 farms in the process of transitioning to certified organic with the help of the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program. Through the conversion process, HOPE provides dairy farmers with education and technical assistance about organic dairy farming practices as well as financial assistance during the final transition period.
Horizon Organic has experienced steady growth. In 2006, the company expanded into two new states – Virginia and Massachusetts – and welcomed 64 certified dairy farms to its rapidly growing family of
farmer-partners. For many family farmers, converting to organic milk production has ensured economic survival of their independent businesses.
"We're very excited about expanding organic dairy in Nebraska and we see this as a great opportunity for the region," said Terry Gompert, extension educator for the University of Nebraska, who specializes in grazing education. "As knowledge of organics and grass-based agriculture grows, we anticipate that we will see continued interest from farmers interested in transitioning to organic."
Horizon Organic's new farmer-partner in Winfred, S.D, Tom Hansen, milks 40 cows and is one of the few organic milk producers in his region. Hansen has more than 50 acres of pasture and keeps his cows on grass throughout the growing season. He started milking as a hobby and is now turning his passion into a
full time job.
"Horizon Organic owes its success to the dedication and hard work of all of our family farmers. We are thrilled to be adding new farmer-partners in the Heartland," said Jule Taylor, Horizon Organic's vice president of milk supply. "Our mission is based on the belief that more acres committed to organic production makes for a better planet."
In addition to economic sustainability, converting farms to organic agriculture supports Horizon Organic's mission to promote stewardship of the land and provide a healthier environment for both people and animals. Since 1991, Horizon Organic has helped to convert more than 250,000 acres of farmland to organic production. In 2006 Horizon Organic estimates that the conversion efforts of its farmer-partners and two company-owned farms prevented the use of more than 17 million pounds of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers from entering the soil, air, water and food supply.
For more information about the Horizon Organic farmer network and how organic benefits farmers, animals, the environment and consumers, visit www.horizonorganic.com. Farmers interested in learning more about the HOPE program and organic dairy practices should call 1-888-648-8377.
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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