Organic Valley

Organic Valley’s roots date to 1988, when farmer George Siemon spearheaded a small organic farming cooperative called the Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool (CROPP). It began with just seven farmers who believed that a new sustainable approach to agriculture was needed if family farms and rural communities were to survive.

Today, now under the larger name of Organic Valley, this co-op includes over 300 family farms in the Midwest alone. Though the numbers have grown, the philosophy hasn’t changed. Being a cooperative means that the farm families are the direct owners of the business and are involved in every decision made. One of the largest organic brands in the nation, Organic Valley is the last national independent co-op in the country to be solely owned and operated by organic farmers themselves.

Delmar and Theresa Westaby, shown here, nearly lost their Stockton, Illinois dairy farm about two years ago, a business that had been in the family for over 140 years. Milk prices were making it difficult to merely break even and were not on track to improve. Around this time the family happened to hear about Organic Valley. The Westabys were already operating a “biological farm”–not quite organic but in that direction–and after careful consideration and facing a grim future in conventional milk production, they decided to tackle the mountainous paperwork and begin the long process of becoming certified organic. Despite the challenges on many fronts, the transition to organic and joining Organic Valley has allowed the Westabys to keep their farm and sustain themselves financially while maintaining their integrity and independence.

Organic Valley’s products include certified organic milk, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meat. Your purchase of these products supports sustainable family farms, which might not otherwise be able to continue farming.

Why is growing organic a priority for your business?
Growing organic is at the heart of our mission: to fiercely protect the environment, organic family farming, and rural communities. One of our primary goals is to promote a respect for the dignity and interdependence of human, animal, plant, soil and global life. Organic embodies all of that.

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options? Organic is about healthy, tasty, chemical-free food, but it also encompasses our commitment to humane animal treatment; our dedication to safeguarding soil, air, and water; and the protection and preservation of biodiversity.

What makes your farms special? Sharing a love of the land and the belief in sustainable agriculture, all of the organic family farmers in the Organic Valley cooperative today are at the heart of the organic revolution. We care for the earth while bringing our customers fresh and delicious, high quality, strictly certified organic food.

Where can consumers get your products?
Our products are widely available. Visit our website to find a location near you.