Overview

Organically Grown Company distributes organic produce in the Pacific Northwest through a grower-led cooperative, sourcing from member farms and delivering to retailers and consumers. Its governance and profits are shared among growers and employees, and its structure has evolved from a nonprofit to a grower-owned cooperative, then an S-Corp, and finally an ESOP; in 2018 it placed its shares into the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust, the first U.S. company owned by a perpetual purpose trust. This trust prevents the company from being sold and requires it to operate to support organic agriculture and benefit its community. Its goal is to maintain a sustainable, mission-driven business that benefits organic growers, coworkers, and customers over the long term.

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

• Perpetual purpose trust structure attracts mission-driven talent and customer loyalty.[5]
• Growing organic sector demand supports margin expansion for certified distributors.[3]
• Mission Fund strengthens grower relationships and community brand differentiation.[5]

What critics are saying

• UNFI's 50%+ market share in natural distribution undercuts OGC pricing power.[1]
• Mission Fund grants drain capital needed for warehouse automation investments.[1]
• Perpetual trust locks company into organic-only strategy, blocking regenerative pivots.[1]

What makes Organically Grown Company unique

• First U.S. company owned by perpetual purpose trust, ensuring mission independence forever.[5]
• Largest independent organic produce distributor in Pacific Northwest with 200+ employees.[5]
• Mission Fund grants $200k+ annually to organic agriculture and food justice.[5]

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