Organic Valley Opens New Headquarters

The building includes heat-recovery ventilation, extensive daylighting, and solar-powered parking-lot lights, and the design team selected salvaged, recycled, and locally manufactured materials when feasible. A locker room and showers encourage employees to bike or run to work and to explore the mile-long (1.6 km) nature path encircling the 36-acre (14.5 ha) site. Organic Valley also encourages employees to borrow company-owned bikes, and the cafeteria serves only organic food.

With 633 organic-farmer members in 16 states, Organic Valley is the only national organic brand that is entirely owned by farmers. Sales in 2003 totaled $156 million, 25% more than in 2002. Employees will move into the new headquarters in September 2004. Details are online at www.organicvalley.coop.