Apparently, California is "poised to become nation's leader in cheese production" surpassing Wisconsin, according to California's Milk Advisory Board. (thanks to Brian, who forwarded me the article in today's LA Times.) But Wisconsin points (and rightfully so) that it's about quality, not quantity.
"It's not about who makes the most," said Patrick Geoghegan, spokesman for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. "What matters is who makes the best." Hmmm. Well, Patrick, maybe you can explain why Cowgirl Creamery's Red Hawk won Best in Show at this year's American Cheese Society's Conference. Kidding aside, Patrick makes a good point. With the tightening of restrictions on imported cheese, I hope that American cheesemakers, Californian and Wisconsinian (is that a word?) alike will focus on quality over quantity. Perhaps this will be the opportunity for domestic artisanal cheesemakers to flower. I know it's a slim chance, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Posted by connie at November 3, 2003 07:38 PM | TrackBack