Co-op Membership Touted at Forum

August 28, 2001

Economic opportunities from member-owned, value-added cooperatives was the topic of a gathering of the nation's co-op leaders in St. Louis, MO, last week where Missouri Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell addressed the importance of public support to the success of farmer-owned cooperatives and value-added agricultural marketing and processing ventures.

"Our objective for the forum was to raise awareness of value-added co-ops, strategies for their success and the contributions these co-ops can make to rural America," said Jeff Moser, director of economic and cooperative development for National Farmers Union, the sponsor of the conference. More than 35 individuals, representing 11 states took part in the educational program.

Program topics included how USDA programs apply to value-added agricultural initiatives; what works and what doesn't work with new generation co-ops; creating cooperative identity on the Internet that creates opportunity for commerce and greater rural development, and roles and relationships between farmers and consumers.

NFU President Leland Swenson closed the session telling the group, "Farmers Union's responsibility is to sustain new and existing cooperatives — today or tomorrow. We need good, sound public policy to provide the environment in which to operate good sound business cooperatives. Public policies link with our cooperative activities. The one compliments the other."