An Organic Valley farmer and her daughter enjoying time together in their pasture with the cows.

Organic Is in

Our Roots

Growing food organically takes more time and care than you might think. But the payoff is worth it: nourishing food that supports a healthy lifestyle, a healthy planet, and a future worth passing on. That’s why more than 35 years ago, Organic Valley helped to create the organic food movement in the United States. The roots we established back then are the reason you can trust what’s on your table now.

USDA Certified Organic, On and Off the Farm

The USDA Certified Organic seal isn't just a label — it’s an official mark protected by federal regulation and overseen by the National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP develops the rules and regulations for the production, handling, labeling, and enforcement of all USDA organic products. Only certified farms and businesses are authorized to use the seal to identify their products as organic. It helps provide you with more insight into how your food was grown, raised, handled, and processed.

Our pasture-raised cows graze outside in the fresh air at least 120 days or more each year and eat an all-organic, non-GMO diet.

Our farms do not treat cows with antibiotics or added growth hormones — instead our organic farmers use natural holistic measures to promote and maintain animal health.

The use of pesticides prohibited under USDA’s National Organic Program is not allowed on our farms. We believe this is better for the earth, animals, and people.

The use of artificial flavors and artificial preservatives is not allowed under the National Organic Program — which is OK with us because we believe the best flavors come from nature, so why add anything else?

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What are GMOs?
GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are plants or animals whose DNA has been changed using technology, including the insertion of specific DNA from one organism into another — something that wouldn’t happen naturally. Think corn with bacterial genes added to survive herbicide sprays.
Why it Matters
The use of GMOs in farming can lead to heavier use of herbicides and pesticides. Some studies have linked these chemicals to health risks for people and environmental damage.
Additional studies have linked the use of herbicides to the rise of "super weeds" — plants that survive the sprays, grow stronger, and require even more agrochemicals to fight off.

Dozens of countries around the world — including many in the European Union — ban the production of GMO crops. But in the United States, there is no ban on the production of GMO crops.
What We’re Doing About It
We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting on your table. At Organic Valley, we never use GMOs on our farms or in the production of our foods.
So... How Do You Avoid GMOs?
The best way to know for sure that you’re not eating GMOs is to look for the certified organic label — all organic foods are non-GMO. At Organic Valley, everything we produce is organic.

The Natural Effect: Why 'Natural' Doesn’t Mean Much

Spoiler alert: The word "natural" on food packaging sounds reassuring — but it isn’t defined or regulated by a single federal definition that applies to all food. That means some foods labeled “natural” may contain artificial ingredients.

This (hilarious) video highlights how companies might label foods "natural" even if they’re made with GMOs, or artificial or highly processed ingredients.