[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    CABOT TEACHES THE VALUE OF DAIRY

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am pleased to take this 
opportunity to commend one of Vermont's most successful farmer-owned 
enterprises, the world-renowned Cabot Creamery of Vermont. Since its 
founding by 94 farmers in 1919, Cabot's farm families have preserved 
the heritage and proud agrarian traditions of the State of Vermont and 
our great nation.
  Cabot has an 80-year history of doing what they do best, making the 
world's best cheddar cheeses. When Cabot Creamery earned the title of 
``Best Cheddar in the World'' and ``Best Flavored Cheddar'' at the 22nd 
Biennial World Championship Cheese Contest, they did it as a team, 
steeped in family traditions and pride and with skill and expertise 
that has been painstakingly built over the generations. That same 
teamwork goes into every aspect of their business.
  In 1992 Cabot joined forces with another New England farmer-owned 
cooperative, Agri-Mark Inc, to open new markets for Vermont dairy 
farmers. Today the cheese made by Cabot is from the milk of more than 
1,450 Agri-Mark dairy producers throughout Vermont, New England and New 
York. The Cabot Creamery of Vermont combines the best aspects of both 
cooperative farming and value-added agricultural products to provide 
much-needed price premiums to Vermont dairy farmers.
  The dairy farmers of Cabot Creamery also have a rich history in 
teaching their communities about the importance of dairy to the economy 
and to nutrition and health. Dairy products pack a powerful punch of 
eight additional nutrients needed for stronger bones and healthier 
bodies. Throughout New England, Cabot runs the Ag in the Classroom 
program, an educational program for elementary students that teaches 
them about agriculture. This program has been recognized by educators 
as a valuable resource that helps connect students to their 
communities, raises self-awareness and fosters creativity.
  Cabot also has sponsored Calcium Crisis Challenge, a program for 
6th--8th-grade students that helps them learn about calcium and its 
importance for stronger bones and healthy living. The program brings 
attention to the fact that more than 75 percent of Americans do not get 
enough calcium in their diets.
  This week in Washington, D.C., the dairy farmers of Cabot Creamery 
will host a reception to highlight the national 3-A-Day education 
campaign. The 3-A-Day campaign is simple--three servings of milk, 
cheese or yogurt is a deliciously easy way to help build stronger bones 
and better bodies. Most Americans are eating only half the daily 
recommended servings of dairy each day, resulting in loss of bone 
density and in related health problems. Eating 3-A-Day of dairy is an 
easy and wholesome way for families to help meet their calcium needs.
  Along with Senator Jeffords and Congressman Sanders, I am pleased to 
join Cabot's involvement with this important education campaign to 
highlight the importance of dairy products to healthy diets.

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