Two college students each awarded $2,500 to pursue organic farming careers
Horizon Organic
With the launch of the HOPE Scholarship program in 2007, Horizon became the first national organic dairy brand to offer a scholarship program designed to build the next generation of organic leaders. Today, the organic industry continues to see growing consumer demand for organic foods, due in part to concerns about the effects of pesticide use and growth hormones, the impacts of antibiotic resistance, and increased awareness of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
"The continual rise in demand for organic food in the U.S. is proof that consumers are more conscious of their choices," said Mike Ferry, president of Horizon. "The 2015 HOPE Scholarship winners share our passion to educate communities on the merits of organic agriculture, and we are proud to assist their efforts to pursue careers that will help meet consumer demand for organic."
This year's two scholarship recipients are:
Mia Brown (Gouverneur, N.Y.), age 18, is the daughter of Horizon producers Gary Jr. and Colleen Tweedie of Beaver Creek Farm. Mia is a first-time HOPE Scholarship recipient. She will begin her freshman year at Morrisville State College in New York this fall, seeking a degree in animal science. Mia says her love of working with dairy cattle developed at age 6, when her parents gave her a calf. As she got older, she began buying her own cows, in hopes of one day owning a dairy farm. HOPE Scholarship committee member Margaret Scoles, executive director of International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA), says Mia "conveys a depth of practical understanding of dairy production and passion for learning more about organic production."
Callie Brodt (Ferndale, Calif.), age 21, is a four-time recipient of the HOPE Scholarship and will graduate from Chico State in the spring of 2016 with a degree in agriculture business. Callie is the granddaughter of Horizon farmer Jim Walker of Walker Dairy, and the sister of Horizon farmer Colton Brodt of Brodt Dairy. Callie credits the HOPE Scholarship for growing her passion and interest in organic farming. Callie plans to use her degree to help promote organic dairy farming. "I hope to continue to educate people and teach them not only the basics of organic agriculture, but also the overall importance of it," she said. "I believe that organic agriculture is a promising part of our future as farmers." HOPE Scholarship committee member Steve Gilman, policy coordinator at Northeast Organic Farming Association Interstate Council, (NOFA-IC) says: "Callie shows an extraordinary level of commitment and passion for the success and growth of organic agriculture."
The 2015 HOPE Scholarship recipients were chosen by a committee of organic industry leaders, including: Tracy Favre, organic inspector and former chief operating officer, Holistic Management International (HMI); Steve Gilman, policy coordinator, NOFA-IC; Margaret Scoles, executive director, IOIA; Faye Jones, executive director, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES); Bob Scowcroft, a long-standing organic advocate who has served in various leadership positions for 35 years; and Glenda Yoder, associate director, Farm Aid.
About Horizon Organic
Horizon® believes in providing great-tasting products that make it easy for moms to provide nutritious options for their kids. Founded in 1991, Horizon was a pioneer in the organic industry and was the first company to supply organic milk nationally. Today, Horizon offers a delicious variety of certified organic dairy products to satisfy a broad range of consumer needs. Horizon works with nearly 700 active and transitioning organic family farmers across the U.S. to supply 99 percent of the milk used to make its organic dairy products. Giving families more organic choices is just one way we champion the organic movement, so we are proud to offer pantry staples such as Mac & Cheese, Snack Crackers, Sandwich Crackers and Snack Grahams from Horizon. These products are available in certified organic and made with organic options, all of which fall on the organic spectrum and are regulated by the USDA's National Organic Program. For more information about Horizon's products, visit www.horizondairy.com.
7.30.2015