Author name: Nico

An Australian-first organic investment co-operative has received official sign-off; the Victorian-based group was officially registered this month. The Organic & Regenerative Investment Co-operative (ORICoop) aims to provide a platform for people to invest in successful organic farms and businesses across Australia. Founders believe the co-op will be a model for other groups nationally, and will […]

Our FREE national forum will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Tuesday, June 6. If you have ever wanted to form or expand a farmer-based group … this is the must-see place-to-be. The day-long forum will feature first-hand successful farmer collaborations and experts offering how-to advice. Bookings are now open for farmers/farm businesses.

Mid December saw our project director Lorraine Gordon (centre) address a beef meet at Casino. She met with about 35 beef industry folk to discuss benchmarking.

Farming Together was named as a good example of collaboration at the opening of the Centre for Organics Research yesterday. The new centre is a new collaboration between Southern Cross University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, which will contribute $2m, to be matched by the university, over five years. University Vice Chancellor Professor

The Coalition Government’s Farm Co-op​​eratives and Collaboration Pilot Program (FCCPP) has kicked off with widespread support from across the agricultural sector with over 200 industry members attending a national forum over two days. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce said the initial membership of the program’s Industry Advisory Group

A monthly roundup of funding/grant offerings – showing those available for co-ops. Funding for co-ops

Read the latest roundup of grants, funding and scholarship opportunities around Australia in our monthly ebulletin http://eepurl.com/cq3O2n

Meet the team that is driving the Farming Together pilot project. They are (L to R): Debbe Allen, Administration Assistant Andrew Jamieson, Expert Support Team Leader Susan Webster, Communications Team Leader Nick Reese, Knowledge Exchange Team Leader Amanda Scott, Farmer Groups Project Team Leader and Lorraine Gordon, Program Director.

From the Farming Together project, a monthly review of opportunities for Australia’s farmers, fishers and foresters to grow their business ideas. In this edition: Meet the team Comparing collaborations US-wise National ag opportunity $15K smart ag award Boost your export footprint RIRDC women’s award open Biosecurity champions sought Plus Scholarships, funding and grants… Visit Read

“Co-ops help other co-ops. It’s the way we operate, and it’s what defines us.” Dairy boss Greg McNamara chairs our industry advisory group and here he shares his thoughts on dairy co-ops. http://adf.farmonline.com.au/news/magazine/industry-news/general/strength-in-numbers-says-coop-boss/2754175.aspx

The day when Carnarvon’s Sweeter Banana Co-operative delivered its first banana bread orders to its first major supermarket contract, Cyclone Olwyn flattened the crop. It was Friday, March 13, 2015. Two days later, every salvageable banana was being harvested by hand. The co-op’s 20 growers, their families, staff and friends, worked against the elements –

Barnaby Joyce welcomes farmers to the inaugural National Forum Watch here