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[Pages S7150-S7151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING AGRI-MARK CABOT CREAMERY CO-OPERATIVE
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, this year marks the 100th anniversary of
one of Vermont's most nationally recognized businesses, Agri-Mark Cabot
Creamery Co-operative. Founded as a small butter plant in Cabot, VT,
with principles of producing high-quality dairy products and supporting
farmers and communities, Cabot has grown to be a leader in the dairy
industry, raising the bar for excellence across the country. The
founders of Cabot prided themselves on quality products and doing
things the right way. Cabot began with just 94 members that
collectively owned 800 cows. Today, Cabot has expanded to include over
800 farm families, never losing sight of their core values of
exceptional quality, safety, and community cooperation. These tenants
have been upheld by their members repeatedly throughout the last
century.
The farm families of Cabot Creamery Co-operative continue to be
innovators, pioneers of sustainability, and dedicated stewards to their
land and animals. Their products consistently prove to be the cream of
the crop, winning many awards, and rightfully earning the title of
``World's Best Cheddar.'' For decades, they have been earning top marks
around the country and world, from respected competitions like the U.S.
Championship Cheese Contest, the American Cheese Society, and even the
World Championship Cheese Contest. The recognition is well deserved
after a century of hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by
generations of farmers across New England and New York.
[[Page S7151]]
Not only do they produce excellent products, Cabot's farm families
are leaders of sustainability. They have worked to strengthen green
farming practices, some of which provide Vermont families with
electricity, and even their own electricity processing plant. They have
made continuous efforts to create more sustainable practices, from
conserving water to installing solar panels. Cabot and their members
have been awarded prestigious honors, such as U.S. Dairy Sustainability
Awards and New England Green Pastures Award for Outstanding Dairy Farm
of the Year. Cabot has recently been classified as a B Corporation, the
first dairy cooperative to achieve that certification, which shows the
strong commitment they have to being a socially and environmentally
responsible business.
I have had the pleasure to work with Cabot, creating lasting memories
and an incredible working relationship that has supported the dairy
industry in Vermont and the entire country. I am privileged to host
Cabot at my annual Taste of Vermont event, and guests of the reception
are often greeted by the distinct Cabot plaid upon entering the Kennedy
Caucus Room on Capitol Hill.
As a Vermonter, I am proud of the incredible service Cabot, its
leaders, and their farmers provide for our State, our economy, and the
larger dairy industry. Cabot truly represents the essence, values, and
traditions of what makes Vermont special. I congratulate Cabot and
their dairy farmers on 100 years of hard work and success.
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