Oregon Resident Earns Elite Cheese Certification
A Bend, Oregon resident has earned the title of Certified Cheese Professional from the American Cheese Society after dedicating over 4,000 hours to the craft. Terry Tith is now using the rare credential, which required passing a rigorous exam on production, pairing, and food law, to host community education events.
The Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) title held by Bend resident Terry Tith is a distinguished credential in the culinary world, with only about 1,000 individuals globally who have passed the rigorous American Cheese Society exam. This exam requires knowledge in six different areas, including cheese marketing, food storage regulations, and milk composition. Those who earn the CCP designation often see increased job mobility and higher pay. The Oregon artisan cheese industry has seen significant growth, expanding from just three creameries in 1999 to 24 by 2019. However, the barrier to entry is high, with startup costs for a small-scale artisan cheese operation estimated to be over $250,000. Despite these costs, artisan cheesemakers in Oregon can earn significantly more per pound for their milk by turning it into cheese on-farm rather than selling it to a cooperative. Oregon's dairy industry as a whole contributes over $1 billion to the state's economy annually. While milk is the state's third-largest agricultural commodity, value-added products like specialty cheeses are gaining global recognition. This growth in artisanal production plays a significant role in enhancing the reputation of Oregon's entire cheese industry. For professionals like Tith, the CCP certification opens doors to various entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. Tith, who is also certified in wine and pursuing a sake certification, hosts community events like a "Not Your Mama's Cheddar" class and cheese pairing workshops at local tasting rooms. These educational events create new avenues for business and contribute to the region's growing reputation as a hub for artisanal food and beverages.
