Generation Organic

Who will grow our food in the future? Industrial farms, or family farms?

"Gen-O" is the new generation of organic farmers taking the lead in producing high quality food for the future while caring for the environment. Organic Valley started the Generation Organic campaign to nurture a new generation of organic farmers.

If you are a beginning farmer, or thinking of organic farming, learn more at www.farmers.coop. If you can't be an organic farmer, support one with your food choices.

Why Generation Organic?

America lost 4.7 million farmers since 1935 and most of the 2.1 million who remain are over 55 years old. In contrast, the average age of Organic Valley farmers is much younger, with a growing number of farmer-members under 35 years old. An increasing number of Gen-O farmers are indeed the second generation of farmers growing up organic in their family's cooperative. But there are also young people coming fresh into farming from all types of backgrounds. The Organic Valley co-op even counts several college ag programs among their membership.

Learn more about the Gen-O philosophy on our farmer website at www.farmers.coop/generation-organic/.

Doing Our Part

Organic Valley supports young farmers with a slate of initiatives from educational programs to scholarships to regional gatherings, to a farmer support hotline, to on-staff organic veterinarians. And every year we recognize young farmers in each region through our Gen-O awards program. Learn more about our programs at www.farmers.coop.

Doing Your Part

You don't have to farm to be part of the Gen-O movement. Every time you choose Organic Valley products, you help support a sustainable future for organic farmers for generations to come. And that's what Gen-O is all about!

Voices of Generation Organic

Making Hay

18 year old Sarah Holm is a driving force behind the northwest Wisconsin's Holm Girls Dairy. When she's not milking cows, herding ducks, or rescuing bees, Sarah writes. Read her stories of life on the farm—plus guest contributions from other Gen-O farmers—in Ovie's Underground.

2009 Gen-O Awards

Organic Valley recognizes individual young farmers in the Coop who demonstrate their commitment to organic farming and preserving family farms and rural community through leadership, stewardship and innovation. Meet this year's winners.