Members of the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), the 96-year-old dairy cooperative that produces Tillamook® cheese, yesterday affirmed by a 2-to-1 margin the rBST policy made unanimously by the TCCA Board in May 2004.  The policy requires that as of April 1, 2005, all milk producers delivering milk to TCCA’s facilities (both in Boardman, OR and in Tillamook, OR) will certify that their milk is, and thereafter will be, from cows not supplemented with rBST.

Yesterday’s member meeting was the final step in the process to implement the rBST policy, which was initiated based on market research over the past two years, market trends tracking, consumer buying habits and a significant increase in consumer concern over the use of rBST in Tillamook products. Despite reassurances from the Food and Drug Association (FDA) and scientists, consumers view artificial growth hormone supplementation as inconsistent with the Tillamook brand image, a brand that consumers most associate with natural cheeses made in the century-old tradition of the Tillamook founders.

TCCA does not intend to at this time label its products rBST-free, since such labeling might cause consumer confusion because the FDA has found that milk from rBST-supplemented cows is safe and there is virtually no difference in milk from treated and untreated cows.  TCCA will, however, inform its consumers and customers who ask about rBST that it is TCCA’s policy to require suppliers to certify that the milk they produce comes from cows not supplemented with rBST.

The Tillamook County Creamery Association, formed as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1909, has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier brands of cheese.  Tillamook is a national marketer of naturally aged cheddar and a variety of other cheeses, butter, and an extensive line of premium ice cream, sour cream and yogurt.  TCCA is most famously known for its internationally award-winning Tillamook Cheddar Cheese.

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