Setting the Bar High
At Threemile, we operate our farms with a commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture, always staying within or below EPA and state regulation limits for crop inputs. This includes our dairy, which has been recognized through awards and certifications as a consistent leader in high standards. In 2020, Threemile was recognized as a winner of the 2020 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
• Exceeding Standards: Since our founding in 1999, Threemile has routinely gone beyond regulatory environmental requirements and exceeded established standards. Throughout our operation, we adhere to all regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Oregon Department of Agriculture to protect surface and groundwater. Even as regulations change, our values have not, which drives us to go beyond the basic requirements.
• Third-Party Certification: We have received audits and certifications from several third parties and customers, including the USDA for organic certification, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). WQS for Global GAP, Costco Addendum/Non GMO, and Whole Foods Regenerative Ag.
• GAP Standards: In 2023, we received a 100% score on five different crops through nine USDA GAP audits. Our organic crops are Global GAP Certified and USDA Organic certified.
• Animal Welfare Commitment: Monthly visits by our university-based Animal Advocate Veterinarian for inspections, team member education, and the newest research and data insights continuously improve our practices. Our dairy voluntarily participates in Validus animal welfare certification. This independent company conducts detailed assessments and audits with rigorous guidelines to ensure socially responsible on-farm practices. The audit is an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of our dairy's animal welfare program, which includes: 1) an Animal Welfare Committee made up of team members who meet monthly, 2) monthly inspections by our consulting Animal Advocate Veterinarian, and 3) an annual audit by Validus. We have proudly scored 100% on animal health several times in our annual Validus audit and were the first dairy to do so.
• Worker Safety and Fair Practices: We adhere to all regulations promoting worker safety, health, and fair employment practices, guided by standards from agencies like OSHA, the Bureau of Labor and Industries, Oregon OSHA, and the Oregon Workers' Compensation Division.