Organic Valley

A Cooperative Revolution in Organic Farming

Organic Valley was founded in 1988 by a group of seven farmers in Wisconsin’s Coulee Region who came together to protect traditional farming practices and create a more sustainable agricultural system.

Among these founders, George Siemon emerged as a pivotal figure, playing a key role in organizing the group and driving the cooperative’s vision forward. Often referred to as the “reluctant CEO,” Siemon helped shape Organic Valley into a national leader in organic food production.

Organic Valley began as the Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool (CROPP), initially focused on organic vegetables. Under the guidance of its founders, the cooperative expanded into dairy and other products, including their renowned Organic Ghee. Crafted from the milk of pasture-raised cows, the ghee is lactose-free, shelf-stable, and ideal for cooking due to its high smoke point.

Today, Organic Valley consists of over 1,600 farmer-members who uphold ethical, sustainable farming practices while supplying organic food to markets across the United States.

Mission and Values

Rooted in its founders’ vision, Organic Valley continues to support small-scale, family-owned farms and promote organic agriculture as an alternative to industrial farming. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and fairness, the cooperative stays true to its mission of delivering wholesome, organic products while fostering a better farming future.