This holiday season, Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative of more than 1,300 organic family farmers nationwide, is giving customers a charitable way to spread the cheer. Through the end of the year, shoppers can visit their local grocers or food co-ops and participate in the Celebrate Organic–Local Heroes contest. Not only will shoppers be able to take advantage of $10 worth of coupons and stock up on Organic Valley products for holiday baking, they'll also be helping to fill the shelves of local food banks just by participating in the promotion.

To enter the Celebrate Organic-Local Heroes contest, visit www.organicvalley.coop/celebrate. Every entrant will receive $10 in coupons for Organic Valley products plus festive holiday recipes in a special issue of the co-op’s Rootstock magazine, while supplies last. Five winners drawn from all entries will receive one year of free Organic Valley products.Three of those five winners will be selected as Local Heroes and Organic Valley will make a $2,500 cash donation on their behalf to their local food pantry.

“For many, the holidays are a time filled with spirited gatherings and memories associated with delicious food and baking,” said Sarah Bratnober, marketing communications director for Organic Valley. “We want to honor those cherished traditions, yet be mindful and supportiveof individuals and families who need assistance putting food on the table each day.By assisting community-based hunger relief organizations, theCelebrate Organiccontest aims to embrace the true spirit of the season."

Starting today, an Organic Valley purchase at Ray's Food Place presents an opportunity to play a role in the restoration of waterways and protection of the local environment. Organic Valley and Ray’s Food Place are proud to launch a program with EcoUnit, a new shopper rewards program that awards customers with EcoUnit credits that can be redeemed to support local stewardship projects like tree planting, river restoration, removal of invasive species and watershed clean-up.  

"We believe this partnership is a great fit for our company and our commitment to supporting the communities that we are a part of," remarked Greg Sandeno, vice president and COO of C&K Market, Inc., parent company of Ray’s Food Place. "Together with Organic Valley and EcoUnit, Ray’s is doing its part to work towards a sustainable future for our families."

Through the end of this year, a purchase of any Organic Valley product from Ray's Food Place stores will earn shoppers EcoUnit credits that they can redeem to support the projects of their choice. The process for receiving and redeeming EcoUnit credits is simple:

1. Shop at Ray’s Food Place and purchase Organic Valley products.
2. Receive 10 EcoUnit credits for a single Organic Valley purchase or 25 credits for purchase of two or more Organic Valley products.
3. Collect vouchers at the checkout which contain EcoUnit credits.
4. Visit http://ov.ecounit.com to sign-up and to register EcoUnit credits to support a variety of local environmental projects, including willow tree planting along Hay Creek, a lower tributary of Oregon's John Day River; restoring the Deschutes River basin habitat; reviving and protecting the salmon runs of California’s Blue Creek and Klamath River; or cedar-tree planting efforts along Oregon's Elk River.

In addition to supporting their favorite cause, Ray's Food Place shoppers who participate in the EcoUnit promotion will also be eligible to enter to win one of three prizes of a year's worth of free Organic Valley dairy products. 

"Consumers today are learning that their buying decisions impact the environment, especially when it comes to food purchases," said Tripp Hughes, Director of Category Management for Organic Valley.  "Now, shoppers in southern Oregon and northern California who make environmentally responsible choices, like using reusable bags and purchasing local and organic products, also have the chance to make a real difference in the region’s watershed."

San Francisco Bay area-based EcoUnit recognizes the advantages of eating organic: Over the past 20 years, shoppers who have selected Organic Valley products have collectively kept 89.5 million pounds of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and 12.5 million pounds of synthetic pesticides and herbicides out of America’s soil and water. By partnering with Organic Valley and Ray's Food Place stores to launch this program, EcoUnit hopes to create awareness throughout the US and the rest of the world of the loss of forests and degredation of fresh water supplies.

Thanks to tremendous consumer involvement, Nature's Path Organic Foods and Organic Valley presented a check for $50,000 to the Rodale Institute for outreach to farmers as an organic solution to global climate change. The check was presented at a special event during the Washington, DC Green Festival, the nation's premier sustainability event.

Nature's Path and Organic Valley, two leading organic manufacturers, joined together during the last several months for the Organic Heroes initiative, which invited consumers to support organic farmers by purchasing organic products. Consumers participated in the campaign by purchasing one Organic Valley product and one Nature's Path product and then mailing in both proofs of purchase for a free subscription to Organic Gardening magazine. Organic Valley and Nature's Path contributed $1 each for every proof of purchase mailed in by consumers, for a total contribution of $50,000 for the Rodale Institute. The donation will further support the Farmers Can Be Heroes campaign (www.hero-farmers.org), which currently includes online courses, tools and information for conventional farmers interested in making the transition to organic.

"The program name "Farmers Can Be Heroes" is reinforced by our recent scientific research into the beneficial results of organic farming and its power to sequester carbon in healthy soil," says Tim La Salle, CEO of the Rodale Institute, "It's about protecting the soil to protect the planet. That is the work of heroes!"

"Working together with other leaders in the organic industry and our dedicated consumers to donate to such an important cause is something we're proud to be a part of," said Arran Stephens, CEO and founder of Nature's Path. "The Rodale Institute is at the forefront of organic education, and the work they are doing through the Farmers Can Be Heroes program is incredibly important for the future of organics, our health and the health of the planet."

"Core to Organic Valley's mission is preserving family farm culture, and a cornerstone to doing that is supporting farmers looking to make the transition to organic," said George Siemon, CEO and one of the founding farmers of Organic Valley. "We're proud to join Nature's Path and thousands of loyal consumers in contributing to the Rodale Institute, a true organic pioneer and an inspiration for others dedicated to the organic movement."

"Through the Farmers Can Be Heroes program, we've not only provided an education for the farmers, but also recognized them for their hard work and value in the industry, and we're thrilled Nature's Path and Organic Valley are making such a generous donation to the program," said Tim LaSalle, PhD, CEO of Rodale Institute. "This money helps ensure we have healthier, safer food options, and will help grow the program for the future."

Executives from Nature's Path and Organic Valley presented the Rodale Institute's Tim LaSalle with the check on Sunday, October 11th at the Washington Convention Center. Consumers attending the Green Festival attended the presentation and helped celebrate this exciting step in the organic farming movement.

To ring in the decade on a healthy note, Organic Valley is offering its retailer partners "Organic Rising," an in-store campaign featuring national media, a contest, and prizes to generate increased sales of delicious organic breakfast products from the farmer-owned cooperative. Organic Rising's message encourages consumers to begin a new year and a new day with a wholesome, organic breakfast. The chance to win exciting prizes, save money, and trigger a donation to the Rodale Institute will enhance sales of Organic Valley products and drive home the point that eating organic is good for the body and the planet.

Organic Rising to Boost Sales of Organic Valley Products

Organic Valley has designed a wide array of bold and informative promotional materials to ensure that Organic Rising is a friendly wake-up call to shoppers at the shelf. The campaign is supported with national consumer advertising, online educational content and public relations. Thanks to the health and environmental benefits of Organic Valley's products, Organic Rising will not only generate additional sales, it will enhance each retailer's image as a sustainability leader by identifying them on the program’s web site.

Besides an eye-catching in-store presence, Organic Rising inspires consumers to start their year off right with tear-off pads of coupons offering a $2 savings on any two Organic Valley products. More valuable coupons are available online.

Consumers Can Enter to Win Trek Bicycles and Support the Rodale Institute

Organic Rising's promotional materials will direct consumers to www.OrganicRising.com where they can enter a contest to win prizes complementing the healthy choices they make when purchasing Organic Valley's delicious products. Organic Valley will award free subscriptions to Organic Gardening magazine; five prizes of a year of free Organic Valley breakfast products; and three grand prizes of a Trek bicycle.

Each entrant in the Organic Rising contest also triggers a $1 donation to the Rodale Institute, which will add up to thousands of dollars for organic health and environmental research. Consumers like to know that by supporting products and retailers they believe in, they are also making the world a better place—and this belief reflects back on the stores who carry Organic Valley products.

Retailers interested in more information about participating in Organic Rising can contact their Organic Valley Regional Sales Manager for details, or order in-store materials online at www.organicvalley.coop/promos before November 27, 2009, while supplies last.

Pour it, drink it, blend it! Yogurt lovers can celebrate as Organic Valley introduces a 32 oz live, organic, lowfat yogurt in a bottle. The multi-use, "live" organic yogurt contains THRIVE™—Organic Valley's unique blend of billions of "good" probiotic cultures that boost digestive and immune systems, and are beneficial to overall health.

Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative of more than 1,300 organic family farmers nationwide, will offer its new bottled lowfat yogurt nationwide beginning January 2010 in three flavors—plain, berry and vanilla —for an SRP of $3.99 each.

"The organic family farmers who own Organic Valley have a proud, 21 year history of providing the highest-quality organic dairy products produced according to strict organic standards without antibiotics, synthetic hormones or pesticides," said Tripp Hughes, director of category management for Organic Valley. "Organic yogurt is the top new item request from our consumers, so we're excited to add bottled yogurt to our lineup. Yogurt is a perfect fit for Organic Valley; the central ingredient in yogurt is milk, and Organic Valley's milk offers optimal nutritional value, reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals, and supports healthier food production in our country. 

"In creating our yogurt, our farmers wanted consumers to expand how they think about and incorporate calcium-rich yogurt into their daily routines—think 'Pour It, Drink It, Blend It.' The bottled yogurt is ideal as an ingredient in delicious recipes (such as salad dressings, smoothies or dips), mixed with granola for breakfast, or enjoyed straight from the bottle.  No matter the preference, we hope people will find even more tasty ways to incorporate each smooth and creamy flavor as part of a healthy diet," Hughes added.

"While consumers will appreciate the versatility of yogurt in a bottle, our organic yogurt also addresses the health and well-being concerns of our consumers," Hughes said. Organic Valley's live organic yogurt with THRIVE™ contains billions of busy probiotic cultures in each serving to give Organic Valley yogurt the label claim "Boosts Digestive & Immune Systems." The product is formulated to ensure that each serving contains at least 10 billion living cultures of their proprietary mix of L. acidophulis, Bifidus BB-12 and L. casei, in addition to the live and active yogurt cultures S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus, through the end of product code.

While competitors commonly use cane sugar to sweeten yogurt, Organic Valley's vanilla and berry flavors are made with agave nectar. In addition, the vanilla yogurt is made with Fair Trade vanilla, while the berry yogurt bursts with the flavor of a whole berry puree. In addition, the yogurts have no added gums or stabilizers. An excellent source of fiber and calcium, each serving contains two grams of organic inulin, a prebiotic from organic Jerusalem artichoke.

While Organic Valley milk is naturally nutrient dense, studies have found that probiotics may further improve nutrient bioavailability for B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus, among others. Other studies have shown that probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduce cancer-causing substances.

Organic Valley yogurt containers come in 32 ounce #2 recyclable plastic, accepted by most recycling facilities.

Organic Valley, America's largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation's leading organic brands, today launched the first online calculator that shows consumers the toxic burden prevented by their choices of organic vs. non-organic and "natural" foods. The calculator is available at www.organicvalley.coop.

Much like an online shopping experience, the Organic Valley calculator invites visitors to put their favorite Organic Valley dairy products into a simulated shopping basket to weigh the positive impact of their organic food choices. As each food product is placed in the basket, the calculator automatically adds up and displays the amounts of pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers avoided by that product, as opposed to a comparable conventional product. The numbers are derived from a calculation of USDA conventional agriculture data compared with twenty years of parallel data from Organic Valley member-farms.

"Organic Counts!," the online calculator, shows that Organic Valley farmers and consumers collectively kept 89.5 million pounds of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and 1.25 million pounds of synthetic pesticides and herbicides from America's soil and water from 1988 to 2008.  To  reduce that down to a personal level, a shopper who purchased two blocks of Organic Valley cheese, two containers of cream and a gallon of milk, for example, would prevent an entire pound of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer from being applied to soil and leaching into our drinking water.

"We did this to show our customers that they really do make a difference when they buy products from our farmer-owned co-op, and they should feel good about it," said George Siemon, chief executive officer and founding farmer at Organic Valley. "The numbers add up quickly, and every bite counts. These metrics are real, just as the threat to our health and environment is real. That's why we have always been, and will always be organic." 

"Pesticides are poison and synthetic nitrogen fertilizer damages soil and water. We've been talking about this for years; now you can see it yourself," said Theresa Marquez, chief marketing executive at Organic Valley. "Add it up. The data presented in our calculator quantifies—from the perspective of an individual's grocery list—how going organic prevents a toxic burden on ourselves and our planet. And that's just from dairy products! Imagine the positive impact of choosing ALL organic foods. It's not a time to doubt or water-down organic. It's a time to look at the numbers and facts and take action. Organic is the future for all of us."

A Fun Way to Learn and Share

Using the calculator is simple and highly educational. At any time during the simulated shopping experience, the visitor can explore the colorful, illustrated display and discover a great deal of information about the health, social, and economic benefits of organic agriculture and organic food, as well as the risks of using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to produce food. The calculator also provides extensive references to scientific research and links to sources for more information.

Like a computer game, the calculator experience is also engaging with an animated interface and personalized results. It also incorporates social networking tools to let users share their results and challenge friends via Facebook, Twitter, and email to calculate the environmental impact of their own dairy buying purchases. It even features a printable certificate so users can share their impact at home—on the refrigerator door, for example.

The Story Behind the Numbers

The numbers presented in the calculator are unique to Organic Valley's products and don't necessarily apply to all organic dairy products. In 2008 and in celebration of its 20th anniversary, Organic Valley began analyzing data and measuring the collective positive impact of the cooperative's organic farming practices. To create the Organic Counts! online calculator, Organic Valley entered its farm-by-farm, state-by-state and year-by-year production data from the past 20 years, as well as parallel data from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to show the average amounts of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and synthetic herbicides and pesticides used on the average agricultural acre each year. The Organic Counts! online calculator then computes an individual's results by running the Organic Valley numbers against the NASS conventional averages. More about the methodology used to create the calculator can be found on the site in the information section, "The Story Behind the Numbers."

According to the ADA's Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Group, public health costs associated with pesticide poisoning and cancer are estimated at $1.1 billion per year. For adults, exposure through diet has been linked to infertility, Parkinson's, testicular cancer, birth defects and much more. More than one million children in America age five and under ingest at least 15 pesticides daily. Early exposures are suspected in the sharp rise in health problems including autism, obesity, asthma, brain cancer and other childhood cancers.

The EPA has documented that synthetic nitrogen fertilizer runoff leaches into drinking water supplies, and groundwater contamination has been found in all 50 states. Synthetic fertilizers contain forms of nitrogen that can break down into nitrates that threaten human health.

To visit the Organic Counts! online calculator and measure the positive impact of eating Organic Valley products, please visit www.organicvalley.coop.

To learn more about how organic food and farming heals the environment and improves your personal health, you can also visit www.organic-center.org and www.rodale.org.

Organic Valley Family of Farms, the nation's largest cooperative of organic farmers, and the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) today announced that Organic Valley is now the official milk supplier for the 28,000-student school district. The milk will be bottled and delivered by Sinton Dairy, a producer of premium dairy products based in Colorado Springs.

"School lunch programs across the nation need to make fundamental changes to improve the health and well-being of our children. Unfortunately, public schools are one of the last places where organic milk is usually found," said Chef Ann Cooper, the "Renegade Lunch Lady" and interim BVSD nutrition director. "Not only is organic milk produced without antibiotics, synthetic pesticides and hormones, making it healthier for growing children, but Organic Valley milk is healthier for our local community because it's produced by local family farmers."

"We give the Boulder Valley School District an A+ for its commitment to ensure its students are served the highest-quality food from local, sustainable sources," said George Siemon, one of the founding farmers and chief executive officer for Organic Valley. "Organic Valley has been a pioneer in helping reform school lunches, and our farmer-owners are excited to be partnering with a forward-thinking school district that's redefining traditional school lunch programs."

The "School Food Project" is a public-private partnership whose goal is to improve the health, nutrition and taste of school lunches. Organic Valley began providing its milk to BVSD on August 18, 2009, where it is available to students via lunch line dispensers.

The Benefits of Organic Valley Milk

Organic Valley farmer-owners graze their dairy cows according to strict standards that allow the cows plenty of access to pasture. Research has shown milk from pasture-fed cows to be nutritionally superior with higher CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and antioxidant levels compared to milk from non-pastured cows. These nutrients may help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer in both children and adults.

The cooperative employs a regional milk production model, which means Organic Valley Rocky Mountain Pastures milk comes from certified organic cows pastured in Colorado, Utah and Idaho. The farmer-owners of Organic Valley believe the best-tasting and most nutritious milk is produced in harmony with nature. Moreover, Organic Valley's regional model builds local economies, and preserves family farming culture and the environment for future generations. In addition, Organic Valley farmer-owners farm without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones or pesticides. Their organic farming practices promote healthy plants and animals that produce high quality, delicious organic products for a healthy planet and people.

Gray Herzberg of Portland, Ore., was declared the Grand Prize winner of Organic Valley's “Celebrate Organic” Recipe Contest for his entry of “Green Cakes,” his original recipe featuring locally grown kale. Herzberg's recipe was selected from hundreds of entries from across the United States in Organic Valley’s search for a recipe that demonstrated innovative, wholesome and delicious use of organic ingredients. As the grand prize winner, Herzberg will enjoy an early fall feast at a local Organic Valley farm in Monmouth, Ore., prepared by celebrated Portland chef Kevin Gibson of Evoe.

Herzberg's recipe for Green Cakes was born of the need to answer one urgent question: what to do with all the kale that appeared weekly in his CSA box? After making his fill of quiches and gratins, Herzberg devised a simple and delicious solution: savory kale pancakes. The recipe is not only tasty and healthful, but also thrifty. Thanks to the “Celebrate Organic” contest, the recipe has now grown from a Herzberg family favorite to filling the plates of families from coast to coast.

Herzberg says he eats organic produce, meat, and dairy whenever he can "out of respect for the Earth." He also notes that he values the richer, truer flavor of organic products, as well as the diversity of species that organic farming encourages.

Herzberg moved with his pregnant wife, Ali Conlin, M.D., to Portland from New York City a year ago when his wife took a job as a research oncologist at the Providence Cancer Center. When his wife went back to work after having their son, Herzberg became a stay-at-home dad--and the family's primary cook. Since then, he's embraced the role with gusto, also becoming a self-taught canner and food gardener.

As part of the grand prize, Herzberg and three guests will celebrate at Double J Jerseys, an organic dairy farm in Monmouth, Ore. The farm is home to Jon and Juli Bansen, farmer-owners of Organic Valley cooperative, their children, and 165 Jersey cows that graze on 550 acres of pasture. The private dinner will be prepared by Evoe chef, Kevin Gibson, formerly of Castagna restaurant in Portland, using organic ingredients freshly harvested from the Bansen farm. Gibson has been widely recognized for his sensitive transformation of local ingredients into mouth-watering dishes. In addition to the farm-based dinner, Herzberg won a year of Organic Valley’s award winning butter.

This holiday season, Organic Valley hosts Celebrate Organic, a campaign for retailers to boost the sales of delicious Organic Valley cooking and baking ingredients through TPRs, coupons, and the chance to win prizes. Celebrate Organic also gives customers a chance to help those in need through a contest which awards cash donations to three food banks nominated by shoppers. The campaign launches November 1, 2009.

Celebrate Organic Drives Sales

Celebrate Organic will help drive sales of Organic Valley butters, cream cheese, Neufchatel cheese, half & half, and heavy whipping cream, and can easily integrate with individual stores’ holiday promotional programs. Organic Valley will provide retailers with Celebrate Organic themed point-of-sale materials that include a web address for contest details and holiday recipes. Organic Valley’s Rootstock magazine – delivered free upon request to retailers in shipper/display boxes – will also feature organic holiday recipes and $6.00 worth of coupons. To make the program even more attractive to retailers, the Celebrate Organic promotion is supported by a public relations campaign and national consumer advertising with coupons in such publications as Delicious Living, Eating Well, and Taste for Life.

With the offer to Share and Save, shoppers are directed online to www.organicvalley.coop/celebrate to receive additional coupons worth $10 off Organic Valley products, plus healthy recipes and gift giving tips. While online, they can also enter a drawing in which five lucky winners will be selected to win a year of free Organic Valley products. From those five, three grand prize winners will be randomly chosen to receive the “Local Organic Heroes” donation for their local food pantry.

Celebrate Organic Recognizes Retailers and Awards “Local Organic Heroes” with Donation

Last but not least, consumers like to know that the products they buy and the stores they patronize support social issues and local organizations in their community. During the Celebrate Organic campaign, shoppers will be asked to nominate their retailer for the “Local Organic Heroes” food pantry award. The retailers named by the three contest grand prize winners will each receive a $2,500 cash donation for their chosen local food pantry, to be made on behalf of the winning shopper and their identified retailer. Local PR by Organic Valley will draw attention to the winners.

Retailers interested in more information about participating in Celebrate Organic can contact their Organic Valley regional sales manager for details, or order in-store materials online at www.organicvalley.coop/promos before September 28, 2009, while supplies last.

Five national thought leaders on organic, one common theme: Organic agriculture benefits not only our health, but our climate as well. And the more we embrace organic, the more we can foster change for good.

That was the primary theme shared by experts within the organic food movement who gathered on the grounds of Organic Valley Family of Farm's rural southwest Wisconsin headquarters Sunday to share their thoughts on the impact and future of organic agriculture and food. Organic Valley, which hosted the "Organic Heroes" panel as part of its annual Kickapoo Country Fair gathering this past weekend, is posting the symposium as a Webcast at www.organicvalley.coop/organicheroes and on Organic Valley's YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/OrganicValleyFarms.

The "Organic Heroes" panel featured the Rodale Institute's Tim LaSalle, Ken Cook of the Environmental Working Group, Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association, Genya Erling, a graduate student at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at University of Wisconsin, and biologist and author Dr. Sandra Steingraber. Theresa Marquez, chief marketing executive for Organic Valley, moderated the panel. U.S. Congressman and organic champion Ron Kind (D-Wis.) joined to discuss the need for policy to address and support sustainable agriculture.

"Each of these dedicated individuals presenting here today are national recognized, talented leaders in the organic movement," said Marquez. "To have them together on one stage is a rare, special moment and reflects our deep commitment to the belief that only by working together can we achieve the changes required for a healthy and sustainable future."

Topics covered in the 90-minute presentation included the positive impact of organic agriculture on our evironment. Termed "ecosystem services," these benefits include establishing wetlands, safeguarding forests, providing habitat for endangered species, and protecting neighboring streams and rivers. 

"I have looked long and hard at what restores and regenerates our ecological system, and it always starts with soil," LaSalle noted in his presentation. "That is where organic begins—restoring the soil."

According to the Rodale Institute, if 50 percent of American farmland were converted to organic practices, more than 240 billion pounds of atmospheric carbon would be removed from the atmosphere each year, equivalent to removing 42 million cars from the road. Furthermore, if organic agriculture were practiced on the earth's entire 3.5 billion tillable acres, 40 percent of current CO2 emissions would be removed from the atmosphere.

In addition, the panel discussed the future of organic agriculture and food, the health and economic benefits of sustainable agriculture, and how local food systems can both address urban and rural food deserts in America.

"So much of our food takes a 1,800 mile journey from California to central Illinois," noted Dr. Steingraber, referring to the region in which she was born and raised. "If only our states could begin growing our own food again, everyone would benefit. It's up to people like those at Organic Valley to promote local food, and help end food deserts."

Organic Valley's Kickapoo Country Fair, held in La Farge, Wis., is the Midwest's largest organic food and sustainability festival of its kind, and attracted more than 5,000 people to enjoy two days of food, music, bike and farm tours, cooking demonstrations, theater, kids' activities, dancing, author readings, and more.

In addition to Organic Valley, the Kickapoo Country Fair is sponsored by more than 75 local businesses and organizations, including Wisconsin Farmers Union's Kamp Kenwood, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services (MOSES), Kickapoo Green Builders Guild, and Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

For more information about the event, visit www.kickapoocountryfair.org.

Underscoring its commitment to fostering the next generation of organic farmers, Organic Valley Family of Farms, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation’s leading organic brands, recently recognized three of its young farmer-owners, with Generation Organic (Gen-O) awards.

The Gen-O Awards were created in 2008 to recognize individual 18-35 year old Organic Valley farmers who have demonstrated commitment to organic farming and preserving the family farm and rural community through leadership, stewardship and innovation. One winner from the western, central and eastern regions was selected and awarded an all-expense paid trip to the Kickapoo Country Fair, an annual event celebrating rural heritage and the future of farming in La Farge, Wis. The winners also had a chance to meet with Organic Valley leadership and were awarded a $500 donation to a non-profit or community organization of their choice in their name.

Recognized during a special presentation on July 26 at the Kickapoo Country Fair, the three winners were:

• Casey Knapp of Preble, New York (East)
• Mitch Lucero of Richfield, Idaho (West) 
• Matt Fendry of Lanesboro, Minnesota (Central)

"As we look to the future of farming, we feel it is vitally important to acknowledge the farmers of tomorrow who will ensure that delicious, local and sustainable organic food choices exist for generations to come," said George Siemon, one of the founding farmers and chief executive officer for Organic Valley. "Our three young Gen-O award winners represent hope for building an environmentally and economically sustainable food system, and through their examples, show organic farming as a viable and rewarding profession."

Casey Knapp, Preble, N.Y. (East):
Casey, 20, has grown up farming organically on his family's farm, Cobblestone Valley Farm, in Preble, NY, which transitioned to organic when he was 11 years old. Casey is involved with nearly every aspect of the farm, from milking, planting and harvesting, to helping with the farm's direct-marketing ventures. Because organic farming has been such an integral aspect of Casey's upbringing, he is eager to share his enthusiasm by talking with friends and family, making formal presentations to groups, or representing Organic Valley as a farmer ambassador. In addition, as president of the Whole Earth Club at Onondaga Community College, Casey is working to implement a number of environmentally sustainable programs, such as composting and eliminating plastic water bottles. In May 2009, Casey was invited to participate in the 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, an intense global meeting bringing together more than 1,000 representatives from government, civil society, and the UN system to debate and devise green solutions to the world food crisis. Casey was the only farmer who participated in the youth caucus, joining young leaders from around the world who are shaping tomorrow's policy today.

Matt Fendry, Lanesboro, Minn. (Central):
Matt, 27, has been an organic dairy farmer at Hidden Valley Jerseys Farm in Lanesboro, Minn., since 2002. Prior to that, he also produced organic vegetables for five years. Matt has incorporated several sustainable practices on his farm, including rotational grazing and maximizing forage and sod to prevent erosion and build soil. In addition, Matt has also been active in the Organic Valley co-op, including participating in the Farmer Ambassador Program and serving on the Dairy Executive Committee (DEC) as one of the Minnesota representatives. Finally, Matt is also committed to sharing his experience and knowledge with other farmers in his community, especially young farmers who are just getting started.

Mitch Lucero, Richfield, Idaho (West):
Mitch, 26, is a fourth generation farmer at Morning Star Organic Farm, in Richfield, Idaho, which was homesteaded by his grandfather in 1907. The family dairy farm officially transitioned to organic in 2006, though much of what they were doing was already the organic way. Mitch and his wife, Acee, recently inherited a 120-acre farm where they are raising organic turkeys and plan to grow hay and pasture for the family dairy. They also are exploring on-farm sustainability practices, including wind power and water conservation. Further, Mitch's commitment to organic farming goes beyond the farm. He advocates for organic and sustainability in his role serving on various local committees, as an Idaho Dairy Industry Ambassador and on the board of Leadership Idaho Agriculture.

Organic Valley Family of Farms, the nation's largest cooperative of organic farmers, announced today that they have hired Mary Sacksteder as their Pacific Northwest regional sales manager. Ms. Sacksteder will head up sales efforts for the farmer-owned organic dairy and meat cooperative, calling on mainline grocer retailers in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho & Alaska.  

Prior to joining Organic Valley, Ms. Sacksteder was the national sales manager for the natural class of trade at Spectrum Essentials, a natural-products industry leader. While with Spectrum, Ms. Sacksteder managed a national sales staff, developed excellent relationships with vendors and successfully grew the sales volume for the company.

"We’re very excited to add Mary to the Organic Valley family, says Eric Newman, vice president of sales for Organic Valley. "Her experience in the natural foods segment, established industry contacts, and commitment to the values of the cooperative make her a natural fit to lead our Pacific Northwest sales program.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Ms. Sacksteder resides near Portland, Ore., in the heart of the Pacific Northwest territory. Prior to her tenure as national sales manager with Spectrum Essentials, she was the western regional sales manager with Spectrum Organic Products and Fantastic Foods.

Organic Valley, America's largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation's leading organic brands, today announced its expanded investment in and commitment to Wisconsin-based 7 Rivers Alliance and Vernon Economic Development Association (VEDA). The cooperative's financial contribution will support a number of initiatives to stimulate and enhance economic development in southwestern Wisconsin.

7 Rivers Alliance is a regional leadership group that boosts economic growth by fostering collaboration in western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The organization brings together public and private resources to forge entrepreneurial growth. It also serves as a clearinghouse for vital information to enhance quality of life in the region. VEDA's mission is to create economic wealth and prosperity while preserving the Vernon County lifestyle. Among other goals, VEDA supports entrepreneurship and new business development, recruits new business to the county, and fosters the retention and expansion of new businesses.

"Fostering economic stability and enabling growth in rural communities are core to Organic Valley's mission," said Cecil Wright, vice president of sustainability and local operations for Organic Valley. "As we continue to feel the effects of this unstable economy, it is increasingly important to prioritize investments in our community's economic development through groups like 7 Rivers and VEDA, two local champions in this space."

7 Rivers and VEDA are among more than 180 local and regional organizations Organic Valley partners with each year.

For example, Organic Valley is partnering with VEDA and local, non-profit Valley Stewardship Network (VSN) to support VSN's Food and Farm Initiative which aims to encourage the development of a sustainable, local food system in southwest Wisconsin. In addition, the cooperative, in partnership with Western Technical College, Kwik Trip and other major local businesses, will help 7 Rivers Alliance educate businesses on managing health care insurance costs while providing benefits that attract and retain employees.

"A united region fosters successful businesses and flourishing families and individuals. With the right resources and support, 7 Rivers can begin to solve problems and capitalize on opportunities collaboratively as a region," said Terry Whipple, president of 7 Rivers Alliance. "Organic Valley has long been a strong and active partner, and their philosophy of improving the quality of life for people here is a catalyst for the activities the alliance undertakes. It fuels our passion to make a difference."

Organic Valley itself employs 475 people throughout the southwestern Wisconsin region. Maintaining its mission to revitalize the rural communities it serves, Organic Valley has remained in La Farge since its inception more than 20 years ago.

Organic Valley Family of Farms, the nation's largest cooperative of organic farmers, announced today that a well-known California egg farmer has joined their cooperative. Judy and Steve's Egg Farm will produce organic eggs for the Organic Valley label for retail distribution in California and other western states.

Judy and Steve's Egg Farm has been widely recognized for its sustainable and humane approach to raising hens, as well as for the superior quality and nutritional value of the eggs produced by their flocks.The addition will allow Organic Valley to offer locally produced, certified organic eggs to its California customers, and will expand the cooperative's line of locally produced offerings, which include fresh milk and cream.

"We are very excited to have Judy and Steve's Egg Farm join the Organic Valley family to help us provide high-quality organic products to our California customers," says George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley. "Having a California egg producer is important so that we can provide the freshest possible product while reducing the transportation impacts of shipping products from outside the region."

"Organic Valley shares our values for humanely raised animals and quality, organic production standards, making the partnership a win-win," says Judy, co- owner of Judy and Steve's Egg Farm. "The proximity of our farm and our steady supply will make it possible for Organic Valley to meet the demand for fresh, organic eggs to residents of California and beyond."

Organic Valley eggs from Judy and Steve's Egg Farm are available in grocery stores throughout California, including select Whole Foods Markets, Raley's, Lunardi's, Cosentino's, Cal Mart, O'Brien's, Key Markets, Marina Foods, Holiday Markets, Farmer Joe's Marketplace and Berkeley Bowl.

Note: High resolution image of Organic Valley's California egg carton available upon request.

Organic Valley Family of Farms: Independent and Farmer-Owned
Organic Valley is America's largest cooperative of organic farmers and is one of the nation's leading organic brands. Organized in 1988, it represents 1,326 farmers in 32 states and one Canadian province, and achieved $527 million in 2008 sales. Focused on its founding mission of saving family farms through organic farming, Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce and juice, which are sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. The same farmers who produce for Organic Valley also produce a full range of delicious organic meat under the Organic Prairie Family of Farms label. For further information, call 1-888-444-MILK or visit www.organicvalley.coop, www.organicprairie.coop and the cooperative's farmer website, www.farmers.coop. Organic Valley is also on Twitter, www.twitter.com/organic_valley and Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Organic-Valley/20674850824.

Generation Organic (Gen-O), Organic Valley's next generation of organic farmers, came together on Saturday, June 27, at the Double J Jerseys farm in Monmouth, Ore., for a day of learning, sharing and connecting through activities surrounding the future of organic farming. The young farmers had the opportunity to learn from health and sustainable food systems experts, a veterinarian specializing in organic and natural treatments, and participate in small-group strategy sessions. 

"Young farmers practicing organic farming represent the future of sustainable agriculture in our region and across the country," said Jon Bansen, Organic Valley farmer-member and host of the day-long gathering. "Organic family farms hold a message of hope for building an environmentally and economically sustainable food system, and they present opportunities in the marketplace that make choosing the farming life and lifestyle an option for young people drawn to farming as a profession." 

Kelly Horton, a registered dietician and founder of Connect Nutrition, was the keynote speaker.  Horton helped the young farmers make the soil to health connection, discussing how the health of eaters reflects the health of the food system, and the connections between the healthy land, nutritious food and healthy eaters.

The day continued with a farm tour and presentation on the importance of holistic animal care by Wisconsin-based Dr. Sarah Slaby, a practicing large animal veterinarian who specializes in organic and sustainable agriculture. 

"The Gen-O gathering was inspiring," said Kelly Mahaffy, 29, from Myrtle Point, Ore. "It was very rewarding to meet my peers—other young family farmers—who share my passion for the health of the land, the cows and for producing high quality organic milk for the community."

"Organic Valley has made a huge impact in the organic movement," added Mitch Lucero, 26, an organic dairy farmer from Richfield, Idaho. "It's our time to contribute to this legacy and join many of the cooperative's founders to tackle the challenges facing today's food system."

Media note: Interviews with Organic Valley Gen-O farmers and photos taken during the gathering are available upon request.

At a time when consumers are looking to get the most value from their food purchases while doing the best for body and planet, two leading organic food manufacturers have joined together to launch "Organic Heroes", a cause marketing campaign that rewards both consumers and farmers for their roles in improving America's food choices through organic production.

Organic Valley, America's pioneering cooperative of organic farmers, and Nature's Path Organic Foods, North America's number one maker of organic cereal, have joined with Organic Gardening magazine in creating the "Organic Heroes" campaign to support the Rodale Institute's "Farmers Can Be Heroes" farmer education program. The Rodale Institute is the nation's leader in on-farm organic research and education.

Consumers can be "organic heroes" by purchasing one Organic Valley product and one Nature's Path product and mailing in both proofs of purchase. As a thank you for their support, participants receive a free, one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine and a chance to win a year of free breakfast foods from the two sponsors. Most importantly, Organic Valley and Nature's Path will contribute $1 each for every proof of purchase mailed in by November 30, for a contribution of up to $50,000 to the Rodale Institute. The money will be used to enhance curriculum and outreach to farmers. To learn more about "Organic Heroes," please visit www.organicheroes.org.

The Rodale Institute's Farmers Can Be Heroes is an outreach and education program designed to portray organic farmers as the heroes who not only feed us, but who are on the frontline mitigating climate change and preserving the earth for future generations. The Farmers Can Be Heroes Web site offers an online course for conventional farmers interested in transitioning to organic, as well as other tools and information. 

"Organic farming is an issue near and dear to our hearts at Nature's Path—we've even purchased our own organic farmland which we crop share with local farmers," said Arran Stephens, CEO and founder of Nature's Path. "We're thrilled to support the Organic Heroes campaign and Farmers Can Be Heroes program because we are absolutely committed to preserving and transitioning organic farmland. This campaign allows us to join together with likeminded organizations that we admire to further support organic farmers, as well as educate consumers about their importance."

"In 1988, when we formed Organic Valley, agriculture was in crisis. Conventional farming methods employing synthetic chemicals and focusing on high yields were firmly entrenched, and there weren't a lot of voices out there advocating for nurturing the soil and farming in harmony with nature. J.I. Rodale was one of the exceptions," said George Siemon, one of the founding farmers and CEO of Organic Valley. "He was in many ways the founding father of organic agriculture in America and an inspiration to all the early pioneers of today's organic movement, including the hundreds of farm families who own our cooperative. Partnering with Rodale on the Farmers Can Be Heroes program is a natural evolution for us, and we're proud to join with Nature's Path and Organic Gardening magazine to support such a worthy cause."

"With today's warming atmosphere, increased toxic load of our water ways and water sources, soil loss, and increasing concerns for human health, there is no work more compelling than the research and education the Rodale Institute is performing," said Tim LaSalle, PhD, CEO of the Rodale Institute. "Finding ways to produce food that is healthier and safer for families while providing the single largest means to take CO2 out of the atmosphere and store it in the soil is critical to our commitment to the world. Organic production of food begins the return of health to the planet while making for healthier people. Become a life saving hero with us, and eat organic!"

Information about the campaign and the benefits of organic farming is featured prominently on both Nature's Path and Organic Valley products. For additional information and coupons, visit www.organicheroes.org.

Organic Valley Family of Farms joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WasteWise Program in February 2009, demonstrating its commitment to conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. WasteWise is the country’s first national voluntary solid waste reduction program.

WasteWise encourages organizations to reduce municipal solid waste through waste prevention, recycling, and buying or manufacturing recycled content products. The WasteWise program focuses on waste prevention—actions that minimize or eliminate the generation of waste before it is created—with the goal of decreasing the amount of material that must be managed through recycling or landfilling. WasteWise partners have saved millions of dollars in purchasing costs and waste disposal fees by reducing, reusing and recycling solid waste materials.

In 2008, through a general waste reduction program, including composting and recycling efforts at is headquarters, distribution center, butter creamery and cheese cut-and-wrap facilities, Organic Valley reduced waste by 25 percent by diverting more than 100,000 pounds of waste from landfills.

In addition, last year Organic Valley used 70 percent recycled fiber to ship its products and saved:

• 45,212,074 gallons of water (equivalent to 75 Olympic size swimming pools)
• 25,835,471 kWh of energy
• 109,801 trees
• 2,454,270 gallons of oil
• 19,377 cubic feet of landfill space

The amount of energy and oil that was saved is equivalent to 43,682 metric tons of carbon, which equals the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 8,000 passenger vehicles.

In 2009 through the WasteWise program, Organic Valley hopes to build upon the success of 2008 and further reduce waste by five percent.

"Our commitment to the health of our planet began 20 years ago when we formed our cooperative to save family farms through organic agriculture," said Cecil Wright, vice president of sustainability at Organic Valley. "We’re continuously looking at ways to reduce our waste and preserve our natural resources, and partnering with WasteWise is a natural extension of our commitment to protecting the environment."

Research by EPA and others has shown that conserving materials through waste prevention and recycling saves energy and reduces pollution, including emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. In addition to the numerous environmental benefits that waste prevention and recycling offer, waste reduction can improve operational efficiency and reduce waste management and purchasing costs.

EPA’s WasteWise

EPA launched WasteWise in January 1994 as a voluntary partnership program designed to help organizations implement practical methods for reducing municipal solid waste. WasteWise membership boasts nearly 2,100 partners representing a wide array of businesses, institutions, and government agencies. 

WasteWise focuses on three key elements of waste reduction—waste prevention, recycling, and buying or manufacturing recycled content products. Organizations joining WasteWise agree to develop goals in these areas, track their results, and share their accomplishments with the program. To facilitate the implementation of waste reduction programs, WasteWise provides partners with guidance for establishing goals and tips for monitoring progress. EPA commends partners for their achievements through the presentation of WasteWise awards and features in program articles and publications. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/wastewise .

Harley riders have Sturgis. Music lovers have South by Southwest. Film fans have Sundance. All are destinations for like-minded individuals to meet and celebrate their passions as a shared experience. If you love organic food and are looking for a bit of local flavor, then you now have your own Sturgis: Organic Valley Family of Farms will host Kickapoo Country Fair, the Midwest's largest organic food and sustainability festival of its kind, in the verdant hills of southwestern Wisconsin.

Daniel Webster wrote, "When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization." Organic Valley—a farmer-owned cooperative of more than 1,300 organic family farmers nationwide—launched the Kickapoo Country Fair six years ago as an annual celebration of life in the Kickapoo River Valley. Today, it's an event venue where fair-goers from across the country, along with nationally recognized organic leaders, celebrated musicians, renowned authors and others, connect around food, arts and regional culture.

Held Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26 in LaFarge, Wis. (pop. 750), the Kickapoo Country Fair brings together thousands of attendees for two fun-packed days of food, music, bike and farm tours, cooking demonstrations, theater, kids' activities, dancing, author readings, and a keynote panel featuring organic pioneers—all offered at an affordable price for families.

This year's fair will celebrate lifestyle values that come to the fore in an economic downturn: connection to family, culture and community; living well with style; hope for a more sustainable future; and just plain old fun. Weekend passes, which provide access to all activities, are only $10 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and under, and kids five and under are free.

"We invite you to join the Organic Valley family and the local community at the Kickapoo Country Fair for a celebration of sustainability and the rural lifestyle in the beautiful Kickapoo Valley," said George Siemon, one of the founding farmers and CEO for Organic Valley. "Given the changes in our society brought on by the economic downturn, it's more important than ever to share, celebrate and acknowledge all the wonderful people and organizations working toward change for good."

The fair will feature food from local farmers and foodies. In addition to the many tempting offerings from these area vendors, the Kickapoo Kitchen and Pantry tents will feature workshops on topics including "Organic Eating on a Dime," fermentation and wild foods, organic berries, as well as free food samples and a beer and cheese tasting. A pig will be roasted during the day on Saturday, with pulled pork sandwiches available for evening concert-goers, followed by the Kickapoo Country Breakfast on Sunday morning.

Breakthrough Musician, Organic Heroes Come to Kickapoo

Folk/rock singer-songwriter Brett Dennen is just one of the artists Organic Valley has lined up for this year's fair, along with a wide array of musicians and artistic performers. Dennen will perform songs from his newly released album "Hope for the Hopeless" on Saturday at 8 p.m. In addition to attention from music critics and established artists nationwide, Dennen was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's "10 Artists to Watch in 2008."

Equally inspiring is this year's "Organic Heroes" keynote panel, which will feature a discussion among five influential industry pioneers, including the Rodale Institute's Tim LaSalle, Ken Cook of the Environmental Working Group, Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association, and biologist and author Dr. Sandra Steingraber. The panel will be moderated by Theresa Marquez, Organic Valley's chief marketing executive and founder of Earth Dinner.

Additional activities taking place during the fair include the third-annual Butter Churn Bike Tour, free tours of organic farms, a "Word Tent" with an impressive line-up of nationally-known authors and poets, the Wisconsin premiere of the play "Driftless," and kung fu action-packed entertainment from west coast "acrobaticalists" Nanda.

All fair attendees who provide an email address at the "welcome tent" will be eligible for prizes awarded hourly, including Green Bay Packer tickets, Organic Valley product coupons and a year's supply of Organic Valley dairy products. Attendees who complete an exit survey also will be entered into a drawing for free Organic Valley products.

The Kickapoo Country Fair is sponsored by Organic Valley Family of Farms, along with more than 75 local businesses and organizations, including Wisconsin Farmers Union's Kamp Kenwood, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services (MOSES), Kickapoo Green Builders Guild, and Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

For more information about the event, including schedule details and lodging information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.kickapoocountryfair.org.

Generation O (Gen-O), Organic Valley's next generation of organic farmers, came together on Saturday, June 13 at the Holm Girls Dairy farm in Elk Mound, Wis. for a day of learning, sharing and connecting through activities, including presentations by organic industry leaders, small-group strategy sessions, a farm tour and locally-grown, organic meals.

Fred Kirschenmann, longtime sustainable agriculture leader, author, and Distinguished Fellow for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, was the keynote speaker. He shared his excitement and passion for the new generation of young people who want to farm, and his efforts to make sure those who want to, can. He went on to say that America is standing on a new threshold, and it must move away from an industrialized economy to a new, innovative economy that uses less energy and is about romance, memory and trust rather than fast, convenient and cheap.

The day continued with a farm tour and presentation on the importance of holistic animal care by Dr. Sarah Slaby, a practicing large animal veterinarian who specializes in organic and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Slaby walked the attendees through a quick check-up with Autumn, one of the Holm's Jersey cows, and answered questions.

"The Organic Valley gathering was eye opening," said Preston Green, a 20-year-old Organic Valley farmer from Richland Center, Wis., and student at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. "Our speakers were amazing and the caliber of our young farmers was very inspiring. I feel like we now have the right tools to take on some tough challenges and grow Gen-O."

"The gathering was a very motivating event for the next generation of organic farmers," said Jake Wedeberg, a 24-year-old Organic Valley farmer from Gays Mills, Wis. "I think Organic Valley has made a huge impact in the organic movement, and it's our

Organic Valley's Chocolate Single Serves Now Lowest Calorie Available

Twelve tasty chocolates? A dozen delicious vanillas? Doce savory strawberries? Organic Valley is now offering its highly popular and superbly-convenient 8 oz. shelf stable single serve milks in packs of 12.

Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative of more than 1,300 organic family farmers nationwide, will offer its 12-packs in each of its four single serve flavors: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and regular 1% lowfat. The 12-packs, which require no refrigeration, will be available in July, in time for summer vacations and just prior to back-to-school, and will retail for $16.99.

"When you're on the go, it can be easy to make poor health choices in what your family eats and drinks," said Tripp Hughes, director of category management for Organic Valley. "But with our shelf stable single serve milk, you can take nutritious milk with you pretty much anywhere—think road trips, picnics, back yard relaxing, kids' lunch boxes, snacks for hiking—with no refrigeration necessary."

"Now, by offering our milk in 12-packs," added Hughes, "families can buy two weeks worth of milk for their child's school lunch or family weekend getaway at a more convenient price."

As Organic Valley prepares to offer its single serves in 12-packs, they have changed the organic ingredient mix in their chocolate single serves to reduce the calorie count to 150 for an 8 oz. serving, thereby making it the lowest calorie organic chocolate single serve milk available.

The shelf stable packaging process keeps the milk fresh and allows it to be stored at room temperature for up to six months until opened. While many people may still prefer to chill their milk before drinking, this product offers flexible "out-of-the-fridge" storage for families and retailers. Shelf stable milk has long been accepted throughout Europe.

Organic Valley single serves come in Holstein-patterned containers made out of 70 percent high quality paperboard, 24 percent polyethylene and 6 percent aluminum. These sturdy, lightweight containers use 60 percent less plastic than other forms of packaging, and require less energy to manufacture, fill, ship and store than almost any other packaging. The containers received the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development in 1996.

Like all Organic Valley milk, single serves are produced according to national organic standards without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones or pesticides.