This trust represents a community of businesses who are committed to long-term mission preservation, independence & steward-ownership.

The Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust is designed to hold a company’s ownership for the long-term.

The trust was formed in 2018 to hold Organically Grown Company and to support the efforts of other independent, values-aligned organizations that advance sustainable agriculture practices and food systems.

TRUST PURPOSE

To SFAPPT is designed to support the efforts of independent, values-aligned organizations that advance sustainable agriculture practices and food systems. To take into account each of the following objectives, principles, and actions which shall be construed as advancing the purpose of the trust:

Panel of speakers at the first annual SFAPPT Stakeholder Gathering in 2019.

Panel of speakers at the first annual SFAPPT Stakeholder Gathering in 2019.

  • Trust governance engagement of our stakeholders including farmers, customers, coworkers, investors, community allies

  • Purpose-driven operations a focus on mission-benefit maximization vs. profit maximization, while ensuring the company is financially viable

  •  Sharing Economic Benefit with active stakeholders by investing in direct and indirect things that benefit them 

  •  Improvements in organic agriculture continued evolution towards best practices

  • Natural Resource Preservation, regenerating ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity

  • Reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, materials extracted from the earth’s crust (such as heavy metals, petroleum)

  • Climate Change Mitigation, reduction of emissions and carbon sequestration

  • Reduce Toxic and Persistent Synthetics, man-made materials (such as plastics, chemical pesticides)

  •  Equitable & diverse supply chains from farm to marketplace, social justice, fair labor

  • Holistic Food Systems Policy continued advocacy for public education, transparency, rigorous standards

GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW

The Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust (SFAPPT) was formed to hold the ownership of Organically Grown Company (OGC) to support its efforts to advance sustainable agriculture and food systems through its mission.

The Trust is the single voting shareholder of OGC and is overseen by the Trust Protector Committee (TPC), which acts as a "Steward of the Trust" to ensure the company/companies in the Trust stay aligned with the purpose and principles of the Trust.

The TPC is responsible for the appointment of the OGC Board of Directors, modification of the Trust Agreement, removal/replacement of Trustee, and the approval of distributions and major decisions that affect Trust assets.


Stakeholders are individuals or organizations with an interest in the ongoing operation of OGC in a way that protects and reflects the values stated in the Trust Principles.

Stakeholders who go through the qualification process have rights and responsibilities which promote shared governance and engagement. As part of the SFAPPT governance process, qualified Stakeholders of the Trust can recommend candidates for the TPC, and vote on the final candidate slate annually. In addition, they receive an annual Trust Purpose Report and have the ability to file a grievance if they believe there is a breach of the Trust Agreement.

Natalie Reitman and Earl Blumenaur

Natalie Reitman and Earl Blumenaur

OGC STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDE

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Suppliers that are actively working with OGC

Current OGC Coworkers

Active Purchasers and Customers of OGC

Mission-Aligned Community Partners

Active Investors

OUR OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE

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OUR BRAND FAMILY

 
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Organically Grown Company

Organically Grown Company is the largest distributor of organic produce in the Northwest.

Organically Grown Company was founded in 1978 by a group of gardeners, small-scale farmers, hippies and environmental activists with a shared vision to expand the availability and demand for organic produce. By creating a community-lead cooperative and working to develop a fair and just marketplace, the foundation for an organic revolution was laid. As we continue to be a leader in promoting organic agriculture and sustainable food systems, we work diligently to find innovative solutions that support the ongoing success of our stakeholders — from wholesale distribution partners, to growers and customers.

Visit the Organically Grown Company Website >

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Ladybug Brand Produce

Friend of the Organic Farmer Since Day One

LADYBUG Brand represents the finest organic produce from a select group of family farmers who operate on the leading edge of environmentally responsible agriculture.

Visit the Ladybug Brand Website >

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Alternative Ownership Advisors

We believe financial ownership and finance matter

As leaders in steward ownership transitions, we help founders and owners of private companies design and implement ownership, governance and investment solutions that align with mission, accelerate impact and protect independence.

Visit the Alternative Ownership Advisors Website >