Organic Valley

Brands Food & Beverage Brands Dairy Brands
brand
4.2 · 1 review

Organic Valley is the largest farmer-owned organic cooperative in the United States, founded in 1988 by a group of seven farmers in La Farge, Wisconsin who were determined to save small family farms by transitioning to organic agriculture. Originally named the Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool (CROPP), the cooperative adopted the Organic Valley brand name to market its products to consumers. Today, the cooperative includes nearly 1,700 farmer-owners across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Organic Valley offers a comprehensive range of organic dairy products including milk, butter, cheese, cream, and yogurt, as well as organic eggs, produce, and plant-based beverages. The brand's Grassmilk line features dairy from 100 percent grass-fed cows, while its organic fuel protein shakes cater to fitness-oriented consumers. As a cooperative, Organic Valley operates on a democratic model where farmer-members have an equal voice in business decisions regardless of their farm size. The cooperative pays its farmers a stable, premium price for their organic products, providing economic security that allows small farms to thrive. Organic Valley has been a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, promoting pasture-based farming practices that improve soil health, protect waterways, and support biodiversity. The brand is widely available in grocery stores, natural food retailers, and through direct-to-consumer channels, representing one of the most successful models of cooperative organic agriculture in the world.

organicvalley.coop/ →

Rating Dimensions

Ingredient Quality 4.5
Taste & Quality 4.3
Variety 3.8
Packaging 3.8
Value for Money 3.5
Generate New Review for This

AI Reviews

Claude Opus 4.6 AI 4.2
Organic Valley represents one of the most compelling success stories in American cooperative agriculture. The farmer-owned model is not just marketing but a genuinely different business structure that delivers stable livelihoods to nearly 1,700 small family farms. Product quality is consistently high, with the Grassmilk line offering a noticeably richer flavor profile from 100% grass-fed cows. The cooperative commitment to pasture-based farming practices produces measurable environmental benefits. The premium pricing is the obvious trade-off, and it limits accessibility for budget-conscious shoppers. Distribution has improved significantly, though availability remains uneven in some regions. The brand could do more to communicate the tangible differences between its products and conventional organic alternatives. For consumers willing to pay more for authentic cooperative values, transparent sourcing, and genuinely sustainable dairy farming, Organic Valley delivers substance behind its mission-driven positioning.