SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., & MODESTO, Calif.--March 2, 2009--Ten California dairy producers have been appointed for a one-year term to the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) Dairy Confidence Committee, which serves as the CMAB’s liaison to the California Dairy Research Foundation in Davis. Richard Michel of Modesto will serve as chairman. Other committee members are: Johan Bartelink of Escalon; Jim Tiemersma of Visalia; Richard Wagner of Escalon; Ben Curti of Tulare; Dante Migliazzo of Atwater; Ronald Koetsier of Visalia; Tony Machado of Merced; Margo Souza of Turlock; and Pat Van Dam of Chino.

The committee’s role is to evaluate dairy health issues as well as academic and non-academic research proposals in terms of potential influence on consumer perceptions regarding dairy practices. The proposals are reviewed for improvement in herd health and product quality, factors that play into the overall ability to successfully market dairy products.

California is the nation’s leading milk producer and also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. Dairy products made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.

Contact: Carissa Tourtelot, Communications Consultant, (650) 871-6459 ext. 304