Marketing through Cooperatives: Opportunities for WI Growers Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference January 3, 2011

What’s the problem or opportunity? Can it be better accomplished collaboratively than independently? Is there a common benefit that will motivate the group to work together?

A co-op is … Organized to provide needed goods or services to its members, not returns to investors Owned and controlled by the members, who patronize the co-op Operates at cost/distributes net margins on the basis of patronage

Cooperatives can address needs in: Marketing Supply Service

Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining

Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling

Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling Operations

Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling Operations Processing

Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling Operations Processing Branding

How do co-ops operate? Member requirements Role of: – Members – Board of Directors – Management

Starting a cooperative Is there an agreement on common need? Is there a business concept that can meet this need? Are there individuals willing to take on leadership roles? Is there a potential co-op membership base?

For more information on cooperatives: Lynn Pitman – University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives