2024 March Board Book

Commodity Cheese – Describes popular varieties of cheese typically produced in large quantities with a flavor profile that appeals to the majority of consumers. These cheeses are sold in supermarkets, either as branded products or under private labels, or distributed for foodservice use. In California, Cheddar, Jack, and Mozzarella (low-moisture form) are popular commodity cheeses.

Farmstead Cheese – Refers to cheeses made from milk obtained from animals located on the farm where the cheese is made.

Specialty Cheese – A broad term that describes non-commodity cheeses. Specialty cheeses are cheese varieties with distinctive flavor profiles catering to a special niche in the market. Specialty cheeses can be unique varieties of cheese (i.e., Camembert, St. George, Teleme) or specialized versions of popular cheeses such as Cheddar, Jack, or Mozzarella (i.e., raw milk Cheddar, Dry Jack, high-moisture Mozzarella). This category also includes handmade artisan and farmstead cheeses. Specialty cheeses are typically sold as branded products in specialty food stores and in supermarket gourmet cases.

Organizations

CARB – California Air Resource Board CARES – Dairy CARES CCOA – California Creamery Operators Association CDC – California Dairy Campaign CDI – California Dairies, Inc. CDIC – California Dairy Innovation Center CDFA – California Department of Food and Agriculture CDQAP – California Dairy Quality Assurance Program CDRF – California Dairy Research Foundation CEPA – California Environmental Protection Agency CFMPB – California Fluid Milk Processor Board CMAB – California Milk Advisory Board

DCC – Dairy Council of California DFA – Dairy Farmers of America DIC – Dairy Institute of California DMI – Dairy Management, Inc. DWR – Department of Water Resources

IDFA – International Dairy Foods Association IFIC – International Food Information Council IMGC – International Milk Genomics Consortium LOL – Land O’ Lakes MilkPEP – Milk Processor Education Program MPC – Milk Producers Council NMPF – National Milk Producers Federation USDA – United States Department of Agriculture

USDEC – U.S. Dairy Export Council WUD – Western United Dairymen