Organic Valley
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | La Farge, WI |
| Website | https://www.organicvalley.coop/products/eggs/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6_2g0sed_QIVBxGtBh1T6w2jEAAYASAAEgLkz_D_BwE |
| Market Area | Nationwide |
| Total Score | 555 |
This brand did not participate in Cornucopia’s survey or participate in Cornucopia’s investigation. While some information was found about this brand’s practices, we could not confirm everything.
If you are a customer of this brand, we encourage you contact the brand owners and ask them to participate fully in Cornucopia’s research. We always want the most accurate and up-to-date information on our scorecards, and consumers play an important role by demanding transparency from their food suppliers.
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 555 | 2-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 90 | Cooperative business model |
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Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points. Commitment to Organic Label | 100 | Sells only organic products |
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Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 0 | Some eggs may have other labels; check packaging |
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Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 50 | Flock size varies between suppliers |
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The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 50 | Hen housing is primarily fixed, practices vary |
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Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors. Indoor Spacing | 25 | Did not cooperate in investigation, but brand has set standards |
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High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment. Outdoor Spacing | 25 | Did not cooperate in investigation, but brand has set standards |
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High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 40 | Suppliers are not required to rotate outdoor area, but access is legitimate |
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Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 25 | Did not cooperate in investigation, but brand has set standards |
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Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 0 | No answer/information not confirmed |
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Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 0 | Beaks trimmed, most likely at hatcheries |
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Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 0 | No answer/information not confirmed |
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Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest. Deaths, Culls, and Spent Hens | 0 | No answer/information not confirmed |
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Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 40 | Suppliers have varying environmental stewardship and manure-handling practices, some of which are good while others are poor |
| Feed Sourcing | 50 | Feed is typically sourced locally or known organic supplier |
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Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels. Animal Welfare | 20 | Meets some animal welfare benchmarks |
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Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations. Transparency | 40 | Did not participate, some information was able to be confirmed |
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Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | No answer/information not confirmed | |
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Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers). Organic Certifier (non-scoring) | Certifier varies on-farm | |
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Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 0 | None |
