Co-op 101 Training

ICo-op 101: Workshop Agenda

Total Time: ~4 hours with break
Goal: Understand what farm co-ops are, how they operate, their benefits to owners and the employee’s role in cooperative success

1. Welcome & Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

• Icebreaker/Introductions

• Workshop goals and overview

• Participant learning goals

2. What Is a Co-op? (30 minutes)

• Definition and purpose of cooperatives

• The cooperative difference

• History and evolution of cooperatives

• Types of farm co-ops (supply, marketing, service)

• Cooperative systems – Federated/Centralized

3. How Do Co-ops Work? (45 minutes)

• Democratic governance: one member, one vote

• Simple Balance Sheet and statement of operations

• Patronage Refunds

4. Break (15 minutes)

5. Governance Group Discussion (15 minutes)

• Member roles and responsibilities

• Employee roles and responsibilities

• Co-op bylaws and board structure

6. Group Discussion (30 minutes)

·       Happy Customer Letter Exercise

·       Tough Customer Exercise

·       What difference does it make?

7. Group Activity: Build Your Own Co-op (30 minutes)

• Divide into small groups

• Each group chooses a product

• Design a basic co-op: mission, member benefits, governance

• Share group plans with the larger group

8. Group Activity (20 minutes)

·       Benefits & Challenges of Farm Co-ops

• Economic benefits for small farmers

• Community impact and food systems

• Common obstacles (e.g., start-up costs, management)

9. Wrap-Up (10 – 15 minutes)

• Summary of key takeaways/learning

• Optional: Feedback forms or surveys