Organic Valley Thrives with Record Organic Sales and Expanding Membership
Source: The DairyNews
Last year marked a significant milestone for the organic sector, with U.S. sales of certified organic products nearing $70 billion, setting a new record.
The Organic Trade Association's annual survey reported that the market reached $69.7 billion, a growth of 3.4% from the previous year. This increase reflects adjustments within the organic supply chain and adaptations in retail pricing strategies. In 2023, organic food sales accounted for $63.8 billion, while organic non-food products contributed another $5.9 billion.
During the Organic Trade Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., from May 14-16, Organic Valley's leadership, including CEO Jeff Frank, discussed the cooperative's progress and strategies. Organic Valley, which stands as the largest cooperative of organic farmers in the U.S., saw over 5% growth in organic dairy sales. Moreover, the cooperative expanded its network by adding 84 new member farms last year and anticipates welcoming 100 more by the end of this year.
Jeff Frank highlighted this period as pivotal for both the organic industry and rural America. He stressed the vital role of small family farms in supporting local economies, particularly in enhancing school, hospital systems, and main streets. Organic practices, according to Frank, not only promote health through chemical-free nutrition but also bolster these small communities.
Frank also reflected on the discussions at the conference, particularly those with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who emphasized the USDA's climate-smart investments under the Biden-Harris administration. These investments have significantly supported organic operations, including those on Organic Valley member farms. Looking ahead, Frank mentioned the cooperative's strategic planning for continued government support, highlighting strong bipartisan relationships that could sustain their initiatives regardless of potential shifts in administration.
During the Organic Trade Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., from May 14-16, Organic Valley's leadership, including CEO Jeff Frank, discussed the cooperative's progress and strategies. Organic Valley, which stands as the largest cooperative of organic farmers in the U.S., saw over 5% growth in organic dairy sales. Moreover, the cooperative expanded its network by adding 84 new member farms last year and anticipates welcoming 100 more by the end of this year.
Jeff Frank highlighted this period as pivotal for both the organic industry and rural America. He stressed the vital role of small family farms in supporting local economies, particularly in enhancing school, hospital systems, and main streets. Organic practices, according to Frank, not only promote health through chemical-free nutrition but also bolster these small communities.
Frank also reflected on the discussions at the conference, particularly those with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who emphasized the USDA's climate-smart investments under the Biden-Harris administration. These investments have significantly supported organic operations, including those on Organic Valley member farms. Looking ahead, Frank mentioned the cooperative's strategic planning for continued government support, highlighting strong bipartisan relationships that could sustain their initiatives regardless of potential shifts in administration.
