SEATTLE – Farmer-owned dairy cooperative Darigold, Inc., revealed it will soon open an office in the Boise, Idaho, area, placing the dairy producer in closer proximity to key parts of its network of farms and processing facilities.

The Northwest-based cooperative stated it also will maintain its established headquarters in Seattle.

"While Seattle has always been our home, our operations – including farming and production – are located throughout the Northwest, in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana," said Joe Coote, chief executive officer at Darigold. "Establishing a presence in the Boise area just makes sense as we continue to modernize and globalize our business. This new office location gives us greater access to a larger workforce focused on agriculture, creates a better opportunity to establish Darigold as an employer of choice and valued community partner, and establishes a presence closer to farming and production operations in much of our region."

In announcing its plans, Darigold noted it also recently invested in an aseptic packaging line at its Boise production facility in 2021 and began construction on a new production facility in Pasco, Wash., in 2022. The new Washington facility is expected to open in 2024. 

In Boise, Darigold said it hopes to secure its new office space in early 2024, with tenant finish and staffing to follow in the next 18 to 24 months.

"With this office established in the Boise area, we'll have a better opportunity to establish lean and efficient teams to support the needs of our farmer-owners, our network of operating sites and our customers," Coote said. "That will help us create more value for our members going forward."

Idaho Dairymen's Association CEO Rick Naerebout said the organization was pleased to see Darigold expanding its presence in the state.

"Idaho is a growing center for dairy production and securing a major office location from one of the nation's largest dairy producers underscores our state's importance in the nation's dairy industry,” Naerebout said.

Karianne Fallow, CEO of Dairy West, which represents dairy farms in Idaho and Utah, echoed that sentiment.

"In addition to being home to so many thriving dairy farms, the state also houses a number of agriculture and packaged food companies,” Fallow said. “Adding this century-old brand to the state's lineup of food and ag companies shows the important role Idaho plays in feeding people around the country and globally."