LA FARGE - Organic Valley, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers, announced that Chief Executive Officer George Siemon has stepped down. The board has appointed Robert Kirchoff as interim CEO. Kirchoff joined Organic Valley in 2016 as Chief Business Officer and will continue to carry out the mission and business plans of the cooperative. 

“It has been an honor to be a leader of Organic Valley from the beginning,” Siemon said. “Our cooperative is a beacon of light for the natural food community, agriculture and all food conscious people. I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of the team of employees, farmers, consumers and all the many stakeholders who have worked for and allowed the coop to become the accomplished vision it is today. I have been blessed by this experience and stand ready to help Organic Valley in any way I can in the future.” 

Siemon was one of the seven founders of Organic Valley in 1988. He has been a leader in the organic movement and in the revitalization of rural communities via efforts to create economic and environmental sustainability for small family farms. Under his leadership, Organic Valley has grown revenues to over $1 Billion annually. 

“We are indebted to George for his 30 years of service to Organic Valley, saving countless families and creating a path for generations more to stay on their farms in the process. George has also created a culture of employees that work for the mission, and are as dedicated as he is to making the cooperative succeed for the farmers, the environment and the consumers. We are fortunate to have worked alongside a leader with his passion, intellect, creativity, and good partnership,” said Organic Valley Board Chair Arnie Trussoni.