Cheese production in California halted its recent record-setting growth trend last year and declined more than 7 percent. The California Department of Food and Agriculture says production declined to just over 2-billion pounds, slightly less than what was produced in 2005.

The report suggests the closure of cheese-producing plants in late 2007 and 2008 may have an influence on the production decline. Mozzarella continues as the leading variety, making up more than 52 percent of the total production.

Source: California Farm Bureau