Horizon Organic said last month that it had welcomed 27 additional certified organic farms in 2006 to its rapidly-growing network of organic family farmer partners. Horizon Organic’s network now totals 342 family farmers. Horizon Organic’s farmer partners are a diverse group of individuals who have chosen to manage their farms organically for economic viability as well as the benefits it provides to the health of their land, animals and families. All 27 farm families transitioned to certified organic practices through the company’s Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program, which provides financial and educational support to farmers as they convert to organic protocols.