Co-operative Farming: November 2021 news

17 November 2021

17 November 2021

Meet the Co-op Farmers podcast series 2

Season 2 of our popular Meet the Co-op Farmers podcast has now landed. Hosted by Michael Cavanagh, the podcast features conversations with inspiring farmers and regional leaders across Australia.

In the first episode of the new season, you can hear how the community of Cootamundra is responding to a major retailer pulling out of the town by forming a retail co-op to help locals access the necessities of life – even underwear! The co-op will provide new employment opportunities and give locals a say in the retailing activities of the town.

As co-op chair Leigh Bowden says, “it is about the social dividend and realising that investing in a store like this co-op provides a benefit to the community. It will help the sustainability and viability of the centre of Cootamundra”.

Our next podcast examines the move to take over a defunct abattoir and transform it into the hub for a meat co-operative on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.

Listen now via our website, Spotify or Apple, or read about the Cootamundra District Co-op.

Co-operatives are a vital link in disaster and recovery planning

A new report by the BCCM highlights the important role co-ops play during times of disaster, and in helping communities and businesses regroup in the weeks, months and years that follow. The report recommends the co-operative and mutual sector is included in disaster and recovery planning throughout Australia.

The report features four producer co-op case studies of TAFCO, ORICoop, Sweeter Banana and Cobargo.

The report was launched in an online webinar during COP26 fortnight. The Minister for Regionalisation and Emergency Management, Senator Bridget McKenzie and co-Chair of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry Professor Mary O’Kane, spoke in support of co-operatives playing a central role in community resilience and recovery. You can watch a recording of the launch and read the report.

Co-op farming sector news

Dungog Wholefood Co-op have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help their new co-op get off the ground.

In an Australian first, Rabobank have launched a community fund to support rural Australia.

Congratulations to Almondco Australia Ltd on coming at 38 in South Australia’s top 100 companies.

Marquis Group has enjoyed a record-breaking year of macadamia sales.

Dairy cooperative Norco posts record $12.7 million profit, lifts branded milk sales 22.4 per cent

Co-ops, food and climate: COP26 looks for a fair way to reform farming

A wealth of knowledge at your fingertips: Co-operative Farming tools

Co-operative Farming is your one-stop website for a large range of accessible resources to help farmers and regional communities set up and run sustainable co-operative businesses, including our new self-paced Co-operative Foundations online course.

This is a free six module course for farmers, fishers and foresters to provide a foundational understanding of co-operatives and how they can increase the profits, efficiency, and value of agricultural businesses. You can choose to complete a quiz after each module and receive a certificate to acknowledge your CPD hours. Begin your online learning today, or see the other resources we have created for you.

For established co-operatives, we have induction education for your employees and a CPD course with Chartered Accountants Australia & NZ for your accountant or lawyers to help them understand the business model better.

If your directors need a refresher course or you have new directors don’t miss our Foundations of Directorship Course for Co-ops and Mutuals in partnership with the AICD.

We’re here to help

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.

Banner image source: Cootamundra District Co-op