Here's Where to Purchase Organic Products in Southwest Wisconsin

The southwest corner of Wisconsin is home to many organic farmers and production plants. The culture that comes into a community that is rich with small organic farmers can strengthen any small town and produce enough revenue to sustain multiple small businesses.

One of the greatest ways to support your local organic farming community is to shop at the local organic farmer's cooperative. These coops are usually full of products that are locally or regionally produced and often the profits go directly to the families that produce the product.

There are several choices if you live in the southeast corner of Wisconsin where you can find some locally run cooperatives to support your community. If you live in La Crosse county or Vernon County, be sure to visit the following Organic Cooperatives and stores.

In La Crosse County lies the town of La Crosse. La Crosse is a fairly nice sized town with a population of about 52,000 people. Surrounding this town are acres and acres of farm land, and many of those acres are certified organic farm land.

In downtown La Crosse on the corner of Cass St. and 5th St., lives the People's Food Co-op. This coop is an important part of the La Crosse community. You can find almost any organic product inside this cooperative and so much more. Fresh produce, meat, poultry and eggs are brought in each day to assure a fresh product for your family.

There is a Bistro located on the upper level of the People's Food Cooperative. Hackberry's Bistro is independently run and offers an option for fine dining. Each weekend they feature live music for your enjoyment. They serve lunch and dinner as well as a weekend brunch. The menu is seasonal to incorporate the freshest produce and meats available.

Once you head west of La Crosse on highway 14, you will quickly enter Vernon County. Vernon County is home to some great small towns. Viroqua is one of those small towns and also the county seat. This area of the Midwest has one of the largest organic farming communities and is home to Organic Valley Family of Farms.

In Viroqua, located conveniently on Main St. is the Viroqua Food Cooperative. This building was built in 2005, but the cooperative has been active in the town for many years prior to the new beautiful building. Inside you will find many aisles full of organic alternative products, as well as a small deli. The Viroqua Food Cooperative is open every day from 7am-8pm, and you do not need to be a member to purchase any goods.

Also, along highway 14 between La Crosse and Westby, WI, is the small town of Coon Valley, WI. Coon Valley has a population of only about 800 people, but has a rich rural population that adds to the downtown district.

Located on the north side of highway 14 is a small office building and just next to it is Coon Creek Meats. This small meat market sells fresh organic meat of many kinds. You can purchase, beef, pork, poultry and lamb in either organic or non-organic options. They also sell fresh produce that is in season. Also, they feature many different home made candies, chocolates and baked goods. Coon Creek Meats is family run with the intention of several other markets spread across the area and perhaps even opening a restaurant in La Crosse to feature the farm-raised meats they sell.

As you can see, there are some great options of places to find just the organic product you need in the southeast part of Wisconsin. Many small family farms lead to many great farm products that are available when in peak season, even before and after! Enjoy these fresh farm products as many areas do not have the luxury of the family farms to provide the delicious produce meats and products to the general public.