Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about being a member of the co-op, membership perks, equity, where to buy feed, sustainability, certification or any other question? Contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff on our Farmer Hotline at 888-809-9297 Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time or by e-mail at: farmerhotline@organicvalley.coop
What is the CROPP Cooperative business model?
In 1988, a group of Wisconsin farmers who shared a desire to save family farms and a belief in sustainable agriculture founded CROPP Cooperative. Its brands, Organic Valley, Organic Prairie and Mighty, soon followed. Today, CROPP is America's largest cooperative of organic farmers, and Organic Valley is one of the nation's leading organic brands.
CROPP Cooperative is an independent and farmer-owned cooperative, which means the farmers have a voice in the cooperative because they own it. The farmers—through the board of directors, elected by the farmers from the farmer membership—uphold sustainable farming practices such as pasturing animals and treating them humanely, ensuring CROPP farmers meet and often exceed USDA organic requirements.
While employees are the day-to-day decision-makers of the cooperative, members are tasked with upholding our mission by carefully reviewing and updating our bylaws, policies and standards, and advising the board and staff on critical topics. Members also have the important responsibility of voting for their board of directors and regional representatives - who are all farmers. Regardless of the farm’s size, location, products, or volume, each farm has equal voting power.
How can I become a member of the co-op?
We encourage interested farmers to first learn about what it means to be a member of our cooperative. At CROPP Cooperative we have a number of different producer pools. Each pool represents a unique organic commodity and has a specific set of requirements that must be followed.
If you are looking to farm with us or have any questions, contact us on our Farmer Hotline at 888-809-9297, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central or by email at farmerhotline@organicvalley.coop.
Where do you have farms?
CROPP represents more than 1,600 farms in 31 states. Find an Organic Valley farm are near you here.
What is an organic certifier?
An organic certifier is an agency accredited and authorized to certify operations to the USDA organic regulations. Although CROPP requires all of our farms to have a current organic certificate, we are not a certifying body.
Certifiers are directly accredited by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). There are currently 75 certifiers that are USDA NOP-accredited and authorized to certify operations to the USDA organic regulations. Of these, 43 are based in the U.S. and 32 are based in foreign countries. Each of these certifying agents is authorized to issue an organic certificate to operations that comply with the USDA organic regulations. Here is a link to the USDA Organic Integrity Database website listing current organic certifiers.
How long does it take to transition to Organic?
Transitioning land takes 36 months from the date of the last application of a prohibited substance. Dairy livestock may be transitioned in 12 months concurrent with the third year of the lands transition. Contact a certifier in your area to learn more.
What does it cost to be a member of CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley?
Being a member of CROPP Cooperative does require that a member meets the equity requirement equal to 5.5% of a farmers base annual income (Payment options are available.). Please click here to learn more about our equity program.
What is the Farmer Food Order Program?
Farmer Food Order Program revise to say “What is the Farmer Food Order Program?” - As an active or confirmed member of the cooperative, you may order Organic Valley and Organic Prairie products at a special discount. Members can log in to get more details about this program.
I hear that I’m able to request a donation up to $150 because I’m a farmer-owner. Is that true? What are the parameters?
Yes, Organic Valley/Organic Prairie producers are eligible to use their $150.00 allotment for product and branded items for events within the communities that are open to the public. This allotment is available on a calendar year basis and includes the shipping of the items. To learn more, click here.
If I already used my $150 donation, is there another type of donation I may request?
Yes, Organic Valley donates to many nonprofit organizations. Please see more information about Membership Services and/or Giving.