Maple Valley Cooperative was founded over 30 years ago by maple farmer Cecil Wright and two friends. While farming, Cecil also worked at Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative for 18 years, which provided him with the experience that fueled his determination to shift Maple Valley’s business structure to a cooperative in 2007.
The Maple Valley Cooperative’s mission is: “To produce and market the finest organic maple products with fair and sustainable methods while respecting our farmers, customers, vendors, employees, the land and our communities,” and they mean it. Partner farms are carefully considered to make sure their values are in alignment. They must be certified organic, sustainable farming stewards who will ensure that their maple woodland understory stays intact to provide habitat for abundant and diverse wildlife and to prevent soil erosion. They minimally tap their maple trees so they stay healthy and may produce for up to 200 years. Many of the farms Maple Valley works with are multi-generational family farms that span for several generations. In return for their dedication to quality and stewardship, the co-op offers their farmers a competitive, sustainable living wage.
In addition to commitment to on-farm sustainable stewardship, the cooperative is also committed to overall business sustainability. The energy used at their main office and bottling facility is offset through a partnership with the local community wind project. Their products are packaged in both glass and BPA-free, recyclable plastic, and they even use biodegradable packing peanuts!
