The cooperative business model has been pivotal in the development and stability of the U.S. agricultural industry. Cooperatives provide a platform for farmers to pool resources, preserve market access, share risk and enjoy economies of scale. That’s important to maintaining leverage and bargaining power. Cooperatives also provide a unique opportunity for their members to participate in governance activities and management decisions important to ensuring the organization’s decisions reflect the will of its members and hold its executives accountable. This article delves into the cooperative business structure, underscores benefits and highlights the importance of active farmer engagement in their governance.
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Daniel Munch
Daniel Munch is an associate economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel. Visit www.fb.org/market-intel for more information.





