Farm Cooperative Organizations

Achieve personal and professional growth in the farming industry through farm cooperative organizations
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Farming cooperatives process, handle and market various agricultural commodities, provide financial services and supply farm supplies. They are a team of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. Coop farms offer you networking opportunities and professional relationships to help you grow your business.

Farm cooperative organizations share their strategies, expertise and success stories. The organization itself is a wealth of information, representation and leadership with one goal: to grow the farming industry. Professional development and partnerships are encouraged. Consider:

1. Using coop farms to forge relationships to grow both your business and as an individual.

2. Paying annual dues to belong to a farm cooperative.

3. Membership benefits to range from events and conferences to job banks and newsletters.

Use local and national farming cooperatives to grow your business

Joining an agricultural coop gives you the opportunity for individual and professional growth. They promote partnerships and offer resources to make you a more successful farming professional.
Try:  National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) is an agricultural cooperative for regional and national farm cooperatives. It began in 1929 and represents 3,000 local farmer cooperatives. Fill out a form online to receive information about becoming a NCFC member. Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is a partnership between farmers' and workers' organizations, representatives of the cooperative movement and the United Nations. Members work toward sustainable cooperative development through technical cooperation and information, policy dialogues and activities. View and sign up for COPAC meetings. Use the Farm World directory to find additional farm associations, listed alphabetically.

Pay annual dues to join a farm cooperative

Farm cooperatives usually have several different membership levels, ranging in price and benefits. You have the option to choose which level matches your needs and goals. Some associations also base your dues on the amount of revenue you make.
Try:  Organic Trade Association (OTA) is an agricultural cooperative that represents the organic industry in the US, Canada and Mexico. It's open to shippers, growers, certifiers, processors, farmer associations, consultants, brokers, retailers and distributors. Membership level is based on your gross annual organic revenue. Be prepared to choose a level and write a business explanation when applying for membership. Join United States Dairy Export Council (USDEC) if you're a dairy processor, US milk producer, cooperative dairy company, supplier or export marketing and trading company. Fill out a membership information request to receive a membership packet and explanation.

Cooperative farms offer members a number of professional benefits

A farm coop helps you develop connections through educational courses and events. It offers industry expertise, networking opportunities, publications and communications.
Try:  CropLife America is the biggest trade organization for agriculture and pest management. You can register as a manufacturer, formulator, associate member or novel technology member. Benefits include a newsletter, governmental information, events, an annual meeting and industry publications. Email CropLife to register. Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) has eight state-wide chapters. Members benefit from conferences, newsletters and educational workshops. Review the calendar of events.

• Take time to become familiar with all the benefits offered by the farm coop. This way, you can take advantage of everything the organization offers.