Lafarge, Wisconsin
February 13, 2003

In response to heinous language buried deep in the congressional appropriations bill (Section 771, Fiscal Year 2003 Consolidated Budget Bill), the more than 500 organic farmer owners of Organic Valley, the largest organic cooperative in the world, today rejected the efforts of special interests to dismiss the mandate of the American people for stringent organic standards.

"The passage of the organic standards represents America at its best --- the private and public sectors working in unison with more than a quarter million consumers, all demanding the implementation of strict organic standards. It was democracy in action," said George Siemon, founding farmer/CEO of Organic Valley, and chairperson of the Livestock Committee of the National Organic Standards Board. "These standards were 12 years in the making and we cannot stand by and let the self-interests of a few lay to waste the integrity of the organic seal a mere four months after the standards went into effect."

The language snuck into the bill in effect allows poultry and other livestock interests to be exempt from the 100 percent organic feed requirement, a mainstay of the national organic program. In fact, Siemon noted, 100 percent organic feed for livestock is not only plentiful, but is available at affordable rates.

More than 270,000 consumers joined the private and public sectors to successfully protest similar efforts to diminish the integrity of the standards in 1998. The result was the October 21, 2002 implementation of the national organic standards, the most stringent standards in the world.

Organized 15 years ago by a half dozen organic farmers, the Organic Valley cooperative today is made up of more than 500 organic farmers in 17 states from California to Maine. In 2002, the cooperative achieved record level sales ($125 million) and an average farmer pay price well above conventional rates. Stewards of the earth who use nature and the wisdom of generations of farm families as their teachers, Organic Valley farmers produce more than 130 delicious organic foods. Look for Organic Valley milk, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meats in food cooperatives, natural foods stores and supermarkets throughout the country. For further information, contact Organic Valley, 507 West Main Street, LaFarge WI 54639, tel. (608) 625-2602, or visit www.organicvalley.com.