The American Cheese Society Meeting Annual Cheese Sale

 The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of farmstead, artisan, and specialty cheeses produced in the North America.   Over 1,400 members strong, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for cheese makers, retailers, enthusiasts, and the extended industry.

 Consumers and chefs benefit from access to a wide and varied selection of the highest quality, American-made cheeses that are safe, delicious, healthy, and wholesome.

It is important to support cheese makers of all sizes and business models to craft safe, diverse, and delicious cheese based on the best production methods.   In addition the ACS believes that dairy farmers deserve the right to make cheese from raw or pasteurized milk as a viable way to protect their livelihood, support local economies, add diversity to the nation’s diet, and preserve long-standing methods and traditions.

Artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses are part of a broader movement that focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, farm-to-table distribution, informed food choices for consumers, and connecting local producers with consumers.

The ACS Annual Meeting is held in late July or early August each year, and they have a Judging & Competition that proudly recognizes American cheesemakers’ efforts to produce the highest-quality American cheeses made from American milk sources.  That is all well and good, but the very best part of the ACS annual meeting from a consumer standpoint is that they sell off all the cheese that is left over at the end of the competitions at bargain basement prices on the Sunday after the meeting ends.  We have gone on three occasions, this year included, and brought home 100+ pounds of cheese to enjoy over the months to come.