Agri-cooperatives -

Main points of the presentation Cooperatives are the best-suited institutions for farmers to operate successfully in the globalized economy Utilizing cooperatives’ competitive advantages is key Systematic training especially of elected officials is the only way to achieve that goal

From a poor agricultural country to one of ”the best places to live in the world” “farmers' cooperation is the rock upon which the major social improvement and perhaps in the future nationhood and independence is possible to build up” Pellervo was established to promote free co-operation in different agricultural sectors and to spread the co-operative idea in general

Producers’ cooperatives in Finland Total number of cooperatives in Finland according to Trade Register was 5 051 (October 2015). 1) Meat from producers 2) Milk from producers 3) Eggs from producers 4) Share of market logging from private forests 1) 2) 3) 4) )

Cogeca report from 2014: Report: Development of agricultural cooperatives in the EU 2014 Higher economic performance is achieved by cooperatives that pursue: entrepreneurial business strategies value adding activities through processing and marketing Cooperatives will become indispensable instruments in the hands of farmers, to attain higher economic performance

MEMBER ADMINISTRATION MEMBER OWNERS MEMBER COMMUNITY MEMBER ADMINISTRATION ENTERPRISE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES CUSTOMERS Member financing Business connections

Why be a member? Acces to markets Price Power in the decision-making process Influence matters that contribute to own livelihood Up-to-date advice Funding opportunities

Pellervo’s input on training cooperatives Magazines Books Reports Projects with different stakeholders University research PI Leadeship Academy since 1991 Trainings aim to develop the leadership and management skills of cooperative members Training Programme for Non-executive Cooperative Directors Training for chairmen Seminars

“If you want to go quickly, go alone “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” ~ African proverb