By Blake Jackson
While other dairy cooperatives grapple with shrinking farm numbers, Organic Valley is taking a bold stance. In 2023, the nation's largest organic farmer cooperative welcomed a whopping 84 family farms into its fold, defying the trend of farm closures and rural decline. This warm embrace extends beyond 2023, with plans to welcome even more farms in 2024.
"This is who we are," declares Shawna Nelson, Organic Valley's Executive Vice President of Membership. "Last year, we rescued farms abruptly abandoned by their buyers. This year, we've welcomed 84 more into our organic dairy family."
In a defiant twist, Organic Valley is "flipping the script" by actively seeking out and supporting family farms during a period of immense hardship for many in the agricultural sector. "Our commitment to organic family farmers is unwavering," Nelson emphasizes. "We strive to be the beacon of hope for those seeking a secure future in farming."
Organic Valley's welcoming arms extended across the nation, with a dozen Wisconsin farms joining the cooperative. They welcomed 26 from Pennsylvania, 22 from New York, and six from Ohio, along with several others from Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont.
This proactive approach underscores Organic Valley's core values of community, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. By actively nurturing the next generation of organic farmers, they're not just securing their milk supply, but also investing in the future of our food system.
Photo Credit: organic-valley
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle