Press Release:
Horizon Organic, a pioneer in organic dairy and the largest USDA-certified organic milk brand in the world, today announced the 2024 recipients of the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program scholarships, which encourage young people to seek careers within organic or sustainable agriculture and/or large animal veterinary science.
The scholarship recipients, who must be the children or grandchildren of Horizon Organic producer partners, are each awarded $2,500 to use toward their college education. Horizon Organic became the first national organic dairy brand to offer scholarships designed to build the next generation of organic leaders through the initiation of the HOPE Scholarship program in 2007. During the past 17 years, the HOPE Scholarship program has awarded 105 scholarships totalling more than $290,000 in financial support.
“Farmers are the heart of Horizon Organic, and the HOPE Scholarship program is one way we are helping ensure organic farmers keep farming for generations to come,” said Tyler Holm, CEO of Horizon Organic. We believe in the organic difference, and we’re proud to share this value with the 2024 HOPE Scholarship recipients along with our shared passion to shape positive impact and educate communities about the importance of organic agriculture.”
This year’s HOPE Scholarship recipients include:
Rachel Hatch (Freedom, N.Y.), age 18, is the daughter of producers Jeremy and Sara Hatch of Emary Springs Farm who have been shipping milk to Horizon Organic for 21 years. This year Rachel began attending State University of New York College of Agriculture & Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) pursuing an agriculture business degree that will fuel her passion to promote organic agriculture, whether it be to return to the family farm or other opportunities within the organic agriculture system.
"Being a HOPE scholarship recipient means a lot to me and my family,” said Rachel. “It shows that Horizon Organic is a company that is willing to give back to the community and to farmers that have been a part of their success for many years,” shared Rachel. “It also means that they are willing to support young adults like me in our passion for agriculture and are very encouraging in our futures."
Zackary Tillotson (Pavilion), age 19, is the grandson and son of producers Paul and Jason Tillotson, respectively, of Cottonwood Farms LLC. The farm has shipped milk to Horizon Organic for 19 years. Zackary is a two-time HOPE Scholarship recipient and recently started his sophomore year at State University of New York College of Agriculture & Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) pursuing an agriculture business degree. His goal is to enhance his family farm's productivity and sustainability to ensure the farm and his family can continue to thrive for future generations, all the while committing to upholding and advancing organic standards through innovative and efficient practices.
"I am incredibly honored and grateful to be a past and now a 2024 HOPE scholarship recipient,” said Zackary. “This scholarship not only alleviates a portion of the financial burden for school, but also allows me to continue my education in agricultural business. I am very excited to bring the knowledge I gain to our family farm. I look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with Horizon Organic throughout my college journey and as I return full-time to the farm."
The HOPE Scholarship program is more relevant than ever as consumers are seeking out organic foods and beverages at an unprecedented rate. According to the 2024 Organic Trade Association Industry Survey, U.S. sales of certified organic products approached $70 billion in 2023, a new record for the sector. Organic dairy and egg sales specifically were up 5.5 percent last year. This increasing demand points to the continued need to support and cultivate organic farmers and others in sustainable agriculture who are dedicated to advancing the organic industry and delivering the high-quality organic products consumers are craving.
Horizon Organic is committed to putting its farmers first, and the HOPE program is just one way the organization supports these essential business partners. From providing farmers with profitability consulting, intergenerational transition planning to keep farms in the family, and estate and retirement planning, to traveling vet care to offer individualized guidance for farmers’ specific concerns about their herds, and availability to collaborate on milk quality and continuous improvement, Horizon Organic aims to nourish a happy, healthy future for farmers, families, animals and the land.
The 2024 HOPE Scholarship recipients were selected by a committee of organic and agricultural industry leaders, including: John Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Wolf & Associates; Tina Owens, VP Agriculture Transition, Intrinsic Exchange Group; and Kelly Shea, Chief Executive Officer, Shea & Associates.
More about Horizon Organic and the brand's commitment to supporting family farmers and organic agriculture can be found at https://horizon.com/organic-dairy-brand/organic-farmers/farmer-support-program/.
