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Organic dairy market feels economic pinch

An organic dairy cooperative leader says the industry did well during the pandemic, but like everyone else, they’re feeling the pressure of inflation.

Travis Forgues with Organic Valley says, “I would tell you right now, the organic market is slightly down overall because of the change since the pandemic.”

Forgues tells Brownfield their members benefited from producing many store shelf-ready products during the COVID outbreak. “in 2020 and 2021, we were up if you combine the two years a little over five percent. We’re holding steady now but it’s coming down a little. It is still a market that we feel confident in that there is opportunity.”

Forgues says the prices paid to their organic farmers have been steady but, “When you’re in a premium category like we are, a value-added category, you can only push the price so high to the consumers and we’re proud we’ve been holding our price on a national basis right around thirty-one dollars, but with the increased cost of grain and fuel. we’re definitely feeling the pinch for farmers.”

Forgues says the cooperative is doing what it can to be more efficient and help its farmer members weather the economic storms.