RAW MILK!

Subject: Raw Milk

Hello-PR contact for Organic Valley
I am one of the Northern California raw milk consumers who has been affected by Organic Valley's recent decision.

I have a few thoughts to share:

1. Organic Valley has a lovely Website and I have spent some time going through it. I "met" the farmers, I read the Mission and GOALS professed. Well done.
To make a point let me repeat a few of your Goals, copied and unchanged from your website.
I believe you must see that are moving backward not forward toward these and many other of your stated goals.

PROMOTE a respect for the diversity, dignity, and interdependence of human, animal, plant, soil, and global life.

Please note that we here in California do not feel respected for our diversity.

...another goal says...

ENABLE a healthy human livelihood by providing quality employment, cooperation, organic education and community growth.

Please note that we in California are not enabled - but in fact have been Disabled by your board's decision. It is due to cooperation, education and community growth that Organic Raw Milk sales have been increasing. You have tremendously marred the success of this goal.

...another goal says...

ENCOURAGE a farming future emphasizing ecological and economic sustainability.

Please Note- that here in California Your decision is DIScouraging a farming future which has been proving successful in meeting this Goal.

2. Why move backward and this crucial crossroad. The success of your model is Outstanding, and now perhaps a bit outdated. Why not stay at the forefront and take your successful model to the next level. These are a few ideas:
* Why not incorporate the Cow Share model into Organic Valley. THINK ABOUT IT,
I would pay Organic Valley a price higher than that of pasteurized milk for it to be left in the tank at my LOCAL Dairy. There would be more paid for this milk and less cost incurred in transport; pasteurizing; packaging etc... NOT TO MENTION the positive P.R. in the sustainable, ecologically LOGICAL, GREEN as Grass, public eye,,,etc
Imagine..... this cow share venture has been so successful with zero promotion that you have to cancel the sale of milk to consumers.... Imagine if it were consciously directed with GOALS such as you already have in place.
Start with us here in California!!!- If it isn't Organic Valley supporting the Raw Milk and Local Economy, the Sustainability and future in GRASS FED beef and Dairy that is only beginning to take hold...If it isn't Organic Valley, it will be another Dairy Coop.
Why let this error in judgement Weaken your previously successful model.
Take the Leap. Jump In. We in California are ready and waiting for the opportunity to hugely support THE GOALS of Organic Valley.
Don't Let us Down. Don't Let your Farmers Down.
If your board does not see this as an opportunity to become stronger, Your farmers eventually will.
Don't Blow It. And if you should not revise your decision, please do Revise Your Mission and Goals.

With Sincere Hope ,
Teresa
Chico California