Horizon Organic Helps Dairy Farmers 'Go Organic'

Broomfield, CO - Horizon Organic, one of the pioneer in organic dairy and the national organic milk brand, has helped hundreds of dairy farmers "go organic" over the past 15 years. In 2006, the company welcomed 64 newly certified dairy farms into its rapidly growing family of farmer-partners.

Among Horizon Organic's newly certified farms, many reside in northeastern and mid-Atlantic states close to high-demand consumer markets. Currently, the company purchases organic milk from 363 farms in 20 states from Maine to California. These farms range in size from 12 to 1,500 cows. Another 228 family farms are in the process of transitioning to certified organic with the help of the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program.

"It's all about the dairy farmers. They are the heart of the organic milk success story," says Jule Taylor, vice president of dairy operations for Horizon Organic. "With more farmers achieving certified organic status, more organic milk is available to consumers, more farmers will have a rich heritage of organic milk production and a sustainable way of life, and more acres are converted to methods that nurture and replenish the environment."

Established in 2001 to help dairy farmers transition to meet growing consumer demand for organic milk and dairy products, the HOPE program is Horizon Organic's commitment to building a strong and sustainable community of thriving family farms. The HOPE program educates farmers about the organic regulations and organic practices, and provides critical financial support.

For many family farmers, converting to organic milk production has ensured economic survival of their independent businesses.

"For the last few years, organic milk supplies have barely kept up with consumer demand, which has been increasing by double-digits," says Taylor. "This spring's organic milk supply will show significant strength with the addition of more farmers becoming certified organic. This trend provides great opportunities to introduce a wider range of organic dairy products to more consumers."

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 17.1 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.

SOURCE: Horizon Organic