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

2. 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?

3. 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

4. Cooperatives can address needs in: Marketing Supply Service

5. Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining

6. Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling

7. Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling Operations

8. Functions of a marketing co-op Bargaining Pooling Operations Processing

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

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

11. 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?

12. For more information on cooperatives: www.uwcc.wisc.edu Lynn Pitman pitman@wisc.edupitman@wisc.edu – University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives