2-13 IAN Local Cheese

 There has been so much challenging news about dairy and dairy producers  in the state of Idaho, that at last some positive things are happening. Local cheese producers are putting out cheese varieties, including mild and medium cheddars, Monterey jack, Colby jack, pepper jack and mozzarella.  Yes, that is right.  We are not talking about Vermont cheddar here we are talking local cheese from such plants as Glanbia in Twin Falls.  CEO and president of Glanbia Foods, Jeff Williams says “This is an exciting opportunity for Idahoans to pick up a piece of cheese and easily see that its source was an Idaho dairy. Glanbia doesn’t have its own brand but is providing cheese to this program so it’s a way for people to buy local.”   All the cheese varieties will be labeled with a distinctive Idaho Cheese label and sold in Walmart. Leah Clark, an employee  of the Idaho Department of agriculture is one of the main architects behind this local cheese movement. “Our goal was to help Idaho consumers take advantage of the fact that we are a great cheese producer and be able to buy that cheese at their local grocery store along with their regular groceries.” It just so happens that Walmart is one of those stores and they offer Idaho cheese as part of  what is known as the Idaho Preferred program.