Organic Valley, the nation’s largest and oldest cooperative of family farmers, today announced it has become an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU).
As part of its affiliation, Organic Valley will work in partnership with WFU in advocacy, education and community outreach, and inspiring and encouraging the next generation of organic farmers.
Organic Valley, founded 20 years ago, is based in La Farge, Wis.
For 77 years, WFU has been dedicated to communities and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors and civic engagement.
“WFU works hard to support organic initiatives and legislation on behalf of organic farmers in Wisconsin, and recognizes the importance of organic farming as a method to help family farms remain viable,” said WFU President Sue Beitlich. “Organic Valley’s efforts are historic in enabling organic family farming in this state and the nation. We’re very pleased to welcome the cooperative into WFU with this affiliate membership agreement.”
“We’re proud to work with WFU in advancing organic farming, as well as helping ensure farming remains a way of life for all families in Wisconsin,”
said George Siemon, Organic Valley chief executive officer. “We look forward to a successful long-term relationship as we work for the benefit of family farmers, rural communities and all people.”
WFU and Organic Valley announced the partnership this weekend in Eau Claire, Wis., as part of WFU’s 77th annual state convention.
About Wisconsin Farmers Union
Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities and all citizens through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors and civic engagement.
On behalf of Wisconsin Farmers Union, contact:
Grant Schultz 715-723-5561 wfugrants(at)charterinternet.com or
Sue Beitlich 608-769-7625 wfusueb(at)charter.net
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 1,201 farmers in 32 states and one Canadian province, and achieved $334 million in 2006 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.com and the cooperative's farmer website, www.farmers.coop.
Contacts
On behalf of Organic Valley:
Eric Davis
Haberman & Associates
612.372.6465, eric@habermaninc.com
On behalf of Wisconsin Farmers Union:
Grant Schultz or Sue Beitlich
715-723-5561 or 608-769-7625
wfugrants@charterinternet.com or wfusueb@charter.net
