Co-operative FarmingLooking for help with co-op business planning? The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals offers support, information and resources for new groups undertaking co-op business planning.
BCCM works with a range of trusted industry associates who understand the co-operative and mutual model of enterprise.
The BCCM provides referrals to advisors who can assist your co-op in the journey from planning to reality:
Co-operative development and business planning
Legal and governance
Accounting and auditing
Co-operative finance
Member engagement
Marketing and promotion
Contact the Co-operative Farming team for a referral
The BCCM does not warrant or guarantee the work undertaken by any advisers or professionals under referral and is not liable in relation to goods or services such advisers or professionals may provide to you. The BCCM makes all attempts to provide accurate and up-to-date information but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of information provided.
Co-operative Farming provides free access to a collection of practical videos and written resources designed to help farmers, fishers and foresters learn about the co-operative business model at their own pace. Developed by the BCCM, the Co-operative Foundations resources provide farmers, fishers and foresters with a foundational understanding of co-operatives and how working together in a co-op increases the profits, efficiency, and value of participating agricultural businesses and their sector as a whole, now and for the future.
Browse the BCCM’s range of courses and training programs to learn about co-operatives and mutuals.
Use the BCCM’s Co-op Builder tool to draft your co-op’s legal documents and access template forms and registers.
Stay in touch with all things co-ops and mutuals: read co-operative farming news, sign up for our e-newsletter, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram, and browse the BCCM video gallery.
The Co-operative Farming project hosted livestreaming events suitable for new and existing co-operatives. Watch them on-demand.
Co-operatives are usually willing to share information to assist other co-operatives at all stages of development. Reach out to a co-op in your area or industry using the BCCM’s national interactive directory.
The BCCM is the national peak body for the co-operative and mutual sector. Co-operatives and mutuals can join the BCCM.
Get member-only support, resources and networking opportunities.
Contact the BCCM to discuss the benefits and options for membership as a start-up co-op.
Kevin Franey, TNR Chartered Accountants on could co-operative farming future proof Australian farmers?
“Comparing a co-operative business model to any other corporate model, e.g. a company, the owners share the benefits rather than the shareholders. The co-operative is there to act for its members. It’s there to gain a competitive advantage and it returns the benefits to the members. Not in the form of share growth or dividends, but largely in the form of reduced prices, reduced production costs, better marketing, better export opportunities.”
