Co-operative provides unique opportunity for Ontario farmers to collectively store, process and market organically grown products.

For almost 25 years, Organic Meadow Co-operative Inc. has helped local organic farmers market grain, dairy and eggs. Today, Organic Meadow is one of the most successful organic farmers’ co-operatives in Canada, with over 160 members including over 100 family farms.

“Our goal is to unite small family farms under one brand, letting them share in the benefits of our marketing efforts,” says Jenny Butcher, Member Relations Manager, Organic Meadow Co-operative Inc. in Guelph, Ontario. “What started as a small group of organic grain farmers in 1989 developing a market and access to international markets has grown to include a full line of organic milk, dairy products, eggs and grains. The Co-operative owns Organic Meadow Inc., a fluid milk processing plant in Guelph, as well as several co-packing partnerships for other organic dairy products and frozen vegetables all marketed under the Organic Meadow Brand.”

In the early 1990s when the organic industry wasn’t as mainstream, an agreement was made with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) to allow the segregation of organic milk. Under the Ontario Milk Act, the DFO markets milk on behalf of all Ontario dairy farms to the processing industry. “Organic Meadow had a very unique position and took on the administration role for organic milk, and matching the supply and demand for organic milk to fill consumer demand,” explains Butcher. “However, five years ago the DFO took over the administration of organic milk as part of their overall obligations under the Milk Act.”

The transition has had its challenges, but Organic Meadow has worked with their members to streamline the process and continue expansion of their line of processed dairy products. Butcher notes that Organic Meadow basically produces every dairy product with any popularity either in their plant or co-packed with other partners. Being the “first in” brand has allowed Organic Meadow to become a national entity, with products in stores from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver, British Columbia. As a producer owned co-operative owning its own dairy processing facility and brand, the co-operative and its members are well positioned for the future.