28 June 2007

2 minute read

North America

The summit was attended by organic dairy producers representing three regional groups from across the United States — Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA), Midwest Organic Dairy Producers Association (MODPA), Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (WODPA), and major organic dairy processors and handlers including Organic Valley, Strauss Family Creamery, Stonyfield Farm, Horizon Organic, Humboldt Creamery, HP Hood, Clover Stornetta, Dairy Farmers of America, Dairy Marketing Services, Aurora Organic Dairy, Radiance Dairy, and Wisconsin Organics.

The purpose of the meeting was to open a constructive and ongoing dialogue that would allow producers and processors to work cooperatively to strengthen the organic dairy and pasture production standards, assuring that the USDA National Organic Program’s standards remain the most comprehensive organic dairy regulations in the world.

The attendees urge the USDA National Organic Program to publish the proposed rule detailing access to pasture immediately. This long delayed notice is needed to provide the necessary clarity and level playing field that producers and processors need to ensure the economic sustainability of their businesses, and consumer confidence in the organic seal.

“I’m proud that the organic dairy community is committed to constructive dialogue, to taking steps to strengthen the USDA National Organic Standards and to assure that consumer expectations are met,” said Kelly Shea, VP of Organic Stewardship for Horizon Organic. California organic dairy producer and WODPA President Tony Azevedo echoed similar sentiments: “It was long overdue for producers and processors to sit down together and work on these issues of great importance to us all. I was pleased that we were able to meet and acknowledge just how much we were in agreement with each other on how to maintain the integrity of organic dairy and pasture standards.”

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