USDA hosts Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development meeting to kick of National Co-op Month

Sioux Honey beekeepers are members of the only honey cooperative in the U.S. The co-op is one of three agricultural cooperatives over 100 years old highlighted in a recent IAWGCD webinar. [photo courtesy Sioux Honey Co-op]

On Wednesday, September 30, the Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development (IAWGCD) held a meeting titled “Centennial Success: Celebrating Agricultural Cooperatives Over 100 Years Old.” Moderated by Dr. Jaye Hamby, Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the discussion highlighted the history, resilience and lasting impact of agricultural cooperatives that have operated for more than a century.

Panelists representing Jackson Farmers, Westby Creamery and Sioux Honey Association Co-op explored how their organizations have navigated changing markets, overcome challenges and continued to serve their members and communities across generations. The meeting also featured a Federal Partners Roundtable highlighting USDA programs and resources available to support cooperative development.

Watch the webinar recording See the presentation slides and speaker bios

The IAWGCD meetings occur because of the cooperative community’s advocacy through the 2014 Farm Bill. Additional resources published by USDA Cooperative Services during National Co-op Month are available here. Learn more about the IAWGCD and find additional resources, recordings of past meetings and past publications here.

U.S. Co-ops will keep members updated on future convenings of the Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development. To learn more, ask a question or plug into our advocacy work, reach us at [email protected].

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Cooperative Service Branch Bulletins fall under Cooperative Development and Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development Bulletins fall under Community Development.

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Cooperative Service Branch Bulletins fall under Cooperative Development and Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development Bulletins fall under Community Development.

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