Green Field Farms and Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative Announce Major Partnership
Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative, the nation's largest organic farmers' cooperative, and Green Field Farms, a cooperative of traditional horse and buggy Amish and conservative Mennonite farmers based in Wayne and Holmes County, Ohio are pleased to announce a partnership that will enhance both cooperatives' businesses.
Under the agreement, qualified organic dairy farmers will become full members of both cooperatives. This partnership will allow Green Field Farms' members to consistently achieve the organic premium price for their milk and will increase the milk supply for Organic Valley's nationally recognized brand. Green Field Farms will draw from its members' supply of organic milk to manufacture cheese under its own brand name as needed.
"By working together, both the Green Field Farms and Organic Valley cooperatives will be able to provide our farmer members with a stronger, more viable economic future," said Lowell Rheinheimer, Organic Valley's regional coordinator. "Our shared dedication to organic and sustainable agriculture presents a substantial opportunity to farmers looking for a premium and stable pay price."
"What unites the Green Field Farms and Organic Valley cooperatives is our firm belief in family farms and our unwavering commitment to building healthy rural communities," said Scott Zimmerly, coordinator for Green Field Farms.
An informational meeting will be held Friday March 24thfrom 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Mount Hope Auction, SR 241, Mount Hope, Ohio. Lunch will be provided. The meeting will give individuals interested in the organic dairy opportunity a chance to learn more about how to participate in this rapidly growing market. Leaders from both cooperatives will be giving presentations and answering questions. There will also be a panel discussion by existing organic dairy producers and a presentation on the strength of the organic market. Representatives of certifying agencies will be on hand to answer questions.
Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative: Independent and Farmer-Owned
CROPP (Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools) markets under the Organic Valley Family of Farms label. Organized in 1988, the cooperative represents nearly 750 farmer-owners in 22 states. It owes its success to staying independent and true to its mission: keeping small and mid-sized farmers farming, Regional production is organized to serve local markets, uses local processors, and features packaging that highlights area farmers. The cooperative produces more than 130 organic products including organic milk, soy cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meats. They are sold in leading supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. For further information, contact Organic Valley/CROPP at 1-888-809-9297 or visit www.organicvalley.coop or its new website "We the Farmers" at www.farmers.coop.
About Green Field Farms
Green Field Farms was formed January 10, 2003 as a 100-percent Amish-owned not-for-profit farmers' cooperative dedicated to producing organic products using traditional farming methods. Our primary goal is to secure the future of our family farms by collectively seeking the fairest possible prices for our members. Equally important is ensuring we produce the highest-quality food products for our customers. Membership is open to all Amish and Conservative Mennonite farmers. Members must use horse-and-buggy as their mode of transportation and maintain minimum production volumes and product-quality standards. www.gffarms.com.
Guiding Principles
- Sustainability. Work in partnership with all GFF members to foster economic stability for our family farms and businesses. We work together in the common interest of all, yet respect the ownership, needs and duties of each member as independent business people.
- Culture. Nothing is more important than our Amish way of life. It is understood that all decisions and actions are made to ensure our Amish values are protected or enhanced.
- Community. We respect all peoples within and outside of our community. We believe it is always best to seek ways to improve not just the Amish community, but the community at large.
