US dairy cooperative CROPP has said it is increasing production of its grass-fed milk Organic Valley products as additional farmers join its milk pool.
The company said 12 new dairy farms would begin supplying its Organic Valley Grassmilk dairy brand. The farms are located in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The additional suppliers mean the farmer-owned cooperative has a total of 121 grass-fed dairies across the country. More dairy farmers are expected to join the Organic Valley cooperative in 2017 to support additional growth and new product development, the company added.
In addition to being USDA certified organic, Grassmilk cows are 100% grass-fed and eat only fresh, organic grasses and dried forages, like hay. They do not eat supplemental grains, such as corn or soybeans.
Organic Valley said it is raising production due to increased consumer demand for grass-fed dairy products. The company stressed that it is the “number one” US grass-fed dairy brand.
Last month, the group entered into a joint venture with US dairy major Dean Foods to increase distribution of its grass-fed products. The groups said the 50-50 tie-up would enable them to benefit from Dean Foods’ “extensive experience” in channels such as large format, dollar store and c-stores and Organic Valley’s presence in the natural channel, emerging markets and speciality distributors.
