Farming Together Program was proud to support the education and development of ten farmer co-operatives with a sponsorship program at the Co-p Federation Assembly in June.
The Assembly brought together inspiring and insightful co-operators from around Australia, and across the globe via video link, to demonstrate how co-operatives influence positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.
Our Assembly Scholarship recipients were inspired to take their groups to the next level.
These were just some their learnings from the event:
Hearing stories from other co-ops – successes and otherwise – helped to gain insight into what works and some innovative methods of strengthening their operations. I made some great connections with other co-op representatives and am looking to foster these into the future.
The biggest take-away I saw was the adaptability of co-ops; obviously heightened over this pandemic period.
— Dave Raison, Greenspace Turf Co-op Ltd
My favourite take-away was learning more about telling your Co-op’s story. Wicked Elephants coached us through a fantastic interactive workshop to practice telling our stories using a simple story structure and techniques, all starting with ‘Once upon a time…’.
— Deborah Bogenhuber, Executive Officer, Food Next Door Co-op
I think it was a very successful event and networking and talking to a diverse membership of co-op members the highlight. I see great opportunities for co-ops in 21st century economy particularly in regard to decentralisation and economic stability for the rural sectors.
— Dick Groot Obbink, NSW/ACT Truffle Marketing Cooperative trading as EAT Truffle
The highlight of the event was a formal opportunity through the Assembly program to share interest in UN Sustainability Development Goals, and begin planning a path forward for more coordinated engagement with SDGs, as well as the chance to develop and deepen links to various co-ops.
The biggest take-away message from the event was that building the profile of our co-op and understanding that the co-op model is designed specifically to deliver member and community benefits and create common wealth.
