Regional Co-ops to Support Farmers and Producers (Winter Conference Workshop)

Co-operative enterprise is a powerful tool for farmers seeking more efficient marketing and a more sustainable food system. Review local and regional examples of co-operative associations formed to benefit farmers and producers. Hear farmers and co-op organizers share examples of the benefits, pitfalls, and resources they’ve discovered from working collectively. This panel discussion, moderated by the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, includes representatives from the Federation of Southern Co-operatives (FSC)/Land Assistance Fund (LAF) (consisting predominantly of Black farmers), Organic Valley Co-op and Maple Valley Co-operative, both of which have farmer- members in New England.
Presenters:
Suzette Snow-Cobb (she/her) has been involved with food co-ops since the mid 1980’s. Prior to joining the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA), she worked for Franklin Community Co-op for 20 years and served on the board of NFCA. Suzette currently serves on the board of the Valley Co- operative Business Association and as Stakeholder Director for Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops board and holds a Master of Management in Co-operatives & Credit Unions from Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia.
Regina Beidler's (she/her) relationship with Organic Valley extends for more than 20 years where she and her husband, Brent, were active dairy farmer members for 18 years. Currently, Regina is the Member Program Specialist, working with the staff veterinarians, sustainability, certification and farmer events staff to assess and produce information relevant to the membership.
Cecil Wright (he/him) has always had a passion for creating economic models that support fair and equitable livelihoods for all. He is a long-time maple farmer and currently farms 40 acres in Southwest Wisconsin. In 2007, he Co-Founded Maple Valley Cooperative and he is currently the interim President and a board member. Cecil is also on the board of the Organically Grown Company, a $180M trust-owned independent distributor of organic produce supporting farms of all sizes. Cecil has extensive organization and industry leadership experience. Today he is a member of over ten co-ops and has been on the boards of multiple local, regional and national co-ops and stewardship-owned businesses. Cecil has advised and co-founded biodiesel, health care, food, beef, multi-stakeholder, produce and many other cooperatives.
Justin Cain (he/him) has been with Maple Valley Cooperative for over three years. He oversees all aspects of operations including production, certification, quality assurance and facility and farmer member management. His previous experience encompasses organic food manufacturing,
plant management, supervision, food safety and dairy, sales and retail management, e-commerce and website development. Justin is a Wisconsin licensed pasteurizer and is FSPCA (Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance) certified and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Controls, Process Control Qualified Individual (HACCP PCQI). He is also certified in HTST, First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens and is a CNA.
Terence Courtney (he/him) Born and raised in Atlanta, Terence has been an advocate for equity for more than twenty years. In his role at FSC, he works closely with regional staff, cooperative members and the public in cooperative development. In this capacity he provides organizational leadership, resource development, training, and education. He also assists FSC in managing international strategic initiatives as well as national and regional projects.
This workshop recording comes from the 2022 Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts chapter (NOFA/Mass) Winter Conference.
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