Hilmar unit is exporter of year

Focus On Ag

By John Holland

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Hilmar Ingredients, a division of Hilmar Cheese Co., has been named 2009 Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Dairy Export Council and Dairy Foods magazine. The division sells whey protein and lactose, which are left over from cheese-making and end up in products such as infant formula, nutrition bars, sports drinks, chocolate and baked goods. Hilmar Ingredients has been exporting since 1994 and today ships to more than 40 countries. Cheese from the Lander Avenue plant, the largest cheese production site in the world, also is exported.

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The state has recognized Gallo Family Vineyards and five of its farm labor contractors for their efforts on worker safety. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health gave them its Golden Gate Partnership Award on Thursday. Gallo Family Vineyards, part of E.&J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, produces wine in Sonoma County and the San Joaquin Valley. The labor contractors are Hilario Rodriguez of Patterson, Alondra Gonzalez of Fresno, Sergio Alba Velazquez of Santa Rosa, Servin-Lopez Vineyard Management Inc. of Santa Rosa and Viramontes Vineyard Management Co. of Cloverdale.

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The Almond Industry Leadership Program, which helps young people in the business broaden their knowledge, is seeking applications for its 2010 class. The program, sponsored by the Almond Board of California, includes seminars and other activities that teach participants all about growing, processing and marketing the nuts. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 14. For more information, visit www.almondboard.com/leadership or call Lori Gerhardt, 343-3245. Interested people also can talk to representatives of the Almond Board at its annual conference, Dec. 9 and 10 at Modesto Centre Plaza.

To submit items about agribusiness, call 578-2385, send a fax to 578-2207, or send an e-mail to jholland@modbee.com.