Organic refers to the way agricultural foods and fibers are produced and processed. It is a commitment to agricultural practices that strive for a balance with nature, using methods and materials that are of low impact to the environment. And the primary goal is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.

When you choose Horizon Organic® products, you contribute to the health and well-being of the planet because organic farming methods respect the earth and nurture animals. For land to remain certified organic, our farmers never use harmful chemicals that can pollute our air, water and food. Instead, they use sustainable farming techniques like crop rotation and composting to improve soil fertility, and non-toxic materials like vegetable oil to control pests. Through these measures, we kept more than 17 million pounds of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer out of the environment in 2007 alone!

Organic farmers are also committed to the humane treatment of animals. Horizon Organic farmer partners approach herd health holistically. Our cows make milk according to their natural behaviors. And we keep them in good health by giving them certified organic feed, fresh air, and access to pasture.

All Horizon Organic products are produced without the use of antibiotics, added growth hormones, or dangerous pesticides. In addition, organic processing practices maintain the integrity of food without using preservatives or irradiation.

Antibiotics are important in the fight against disease and infection, but they become less effective over time if they are used incorrectly or excessively. Therefore, the widespread use of antibiotics on healthy animals may lower their effectiveness in helping treat human illness. Organic farmers approach herd health holistically, treating animals without the use of antibiotics or hormones.

The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that of the 35 million pounds of antibiotics administered each year in the U.S., 70% goes to healthy livestock to stimulate growth and prevent disease. This massive usage could help develop super-strong strains of drug-resistant bacteria that can spread to people. Developed countries around the world, except for the United States and Canada, have set regulations restricting such use.

For these reasons, the World Health Organization has recommended repeatedly that antibiotics used on humans not be prescribed to promote livestock growth. And in June 2001, the American Medical Association went on record opposing the use of antibiotics in agriculture for non-therapeutic use in healthy animals.¹

Page 1 | 2