Co-operative Farming: April 2021 news

30 April 2021

We’ve featured Emma Robinson from the North Queensland-based Beef Collaboration Project in this newsletter. Watch her recent interview with Pete Lewis where she outlines why she thinks the co-operative business model can help future proof the Aussie family farm.

Education, training and events

There are still funds available for you to access to support your co-operative education. Don’t miss out on your 90% bursary for the following courses and events. All you need to do is complete a simple application form.

• Online: Scaling a mutual – how to engage at scale – commencing 7 May 2021
• Online: Introduction to Digital Communications for Co-operatives – commencing 10 May 2021
• Brisbane: Co-operative Governance Professional Development – 24 May 2021
• Online: Co-operatives and Mutuals Strategic Development Program – commencing 1 June 2021
• Sydney: The Co-op Federation Assembly 2021 – 17 and 18 June 2021

Latest news

NORCO Primex – 20-22 May 2021, Casino NSW
Co-operative Farming will have a presence at NORCO Primex and will be streaming live from midday on Saturday 22 May. Details of the broadcast to be announced soon.

One of Australia’s oldest co-ops launches innovative apprentice scheme
The Master Butchers Co-operative has launched a new apprentice incentive to try and lure more butchers into the industry – and keep them for longer.

Landlife: living the dream
Caitlin Radford is a 22 year old farmer living her dream in pursuing an agricultural career and recently took out the national Apprentice of the Year award.

Spotlight on…Marquis Macadmias

Larry McHugh, Marquis Macadamias CEO (Photo Credit: Paul Harris)

Aussie macadamia growers working together in a co-operative have announced they are expanding their joint operations in Queensland, increasing their processing capacity by 25 per cent and creating 40 new jobs. After Queensland Treasurer announced support for Marquis Macadamias through the government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, BCCM CEO Melina Morrison said co-operatives in Australia and across the world were leading value driven food production.

“When Government partners with co-operative food manufacturers, there is an extra benefit as the business is grower-owned and the proceeds of increased productivity are reinvested into Australian farming,” she said. “We’d like to see more cases of Government supporting small producers to work together to grow existing medium-sized firms and create new ones. A long-term supportive regime for the establishment of new co-operative businesses in food-processing and manufacturing more generally will help protect the strategic ownership of assets in the national interest.” Read more about Marquis Macadamias’ expansion.

You can learn more about Marquis Macadmias’ online and watch Pete Lewis interview their CEO Larry McHugh who talks about how they have added value, profitability and resilience to farm incomes with advanced food manufacturing.

Get in touch

If you have questions or would like more information or support to plan, start or run a co-op, please get in touch with the Co-operative Farming team.

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