Medford, Ore. – The Oregon Supreme Court has breathed new life into a high-profile lawsuit filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) against the Tillamook County Creamery Association. The case, originally filed in 2019, alleges that Tillamook’s advertising misleads consumers into believing the company’s dairy products are sourced from small-scale, pasture-based family farms located in Tillamook County. However, the ALDF claims that in reality, the majority of Tillamook’s milk comes from one of the largest industrial dairy operations in the United States, located in eastern Oregon.
According to the lawsuit, Tillamook sources approximately 80% of its milk from a facility that houses over 70,000 cows, including 32,000 cows in active dairy production. The ALDF argues that this dairy farm operates under conditions that they describe as “inhumane,” and it contrasts sharply with the family-farm image portrayed in Tillamook’s advertisements.
The lawsuit accuses Tillamook of selling a “fairy tale” narrative to consumers, portraying itself as a company that supports small, local farms where cows are treated with care and allowed access to pasture. In reality, the ALDF asserts, the scale and industrial nature of Tillamook’s milk supply network contradict this messaging, leading to potential consumer deception.
“A significant portion of Tillamook’s marketing paints a picture of idyllic, small-scale family farms, which is a far cry from the industrialized operations they rely on for the bulk of their milk,” said Amanda Howell, Managing Attorney at the ALDF. “This misleading advertising plays on consumers’ desires to support humane, sustainable practices, but it’s important for people to know the reality behind the products they’re purchasing.”
The lawsuit represents a class action on behalf of Oregon consumers who, the ALDF argues, were misled by Tillamook’s marketing and paid a premium for products they believed were sourced from local, ethical farms. If successful, the legal action could force the company to alter its advertising practices and potentially compensate affected consumers.
The case has garnered significant attention due to Tillamook’s longstanding reputation as a company that champions local, family-run dairy operations. The creamery, which has become a beloved brand in Oregon, is known for its commitment to sustainability and community values. However, the controversy surrounding the sourcing of its milk calls into question the authenticity of these claims.
Tillamook has yet to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to revive the case, but the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the dairy industry as a whole. If the court rules in favor of the ALDF, it may set a new legal precedent for transparency in food labeling and advertising, requiring companies to be more forthright about the origins of their products.
As the case moves forward, the focus will be on whether Tillamook’s advertising practices violate consumer protection laws and whether they misled consumers who believed they were supporting smaller, more humane farms. The decision could reshape the future of food marketing, particularly for companies that rely on the image of local, sustainable sourcing to attract conscientious buyers.
For now, all eyes are on the legal proceedings as this high-stakes case unfolds in the Oregon courts.