Objective 3: Provide training and outreach to SSDPs in developing cooperatives and networking and engaging in farm businesses.
Photo right: KSU small farmers attended 2015 Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund Annual Meeting, Epes, AL August 13-15. (Photo by Edwin Chavous)
Task 3.1. Provide training on cooperative formation for production and marketing.
Task 3.2. Promote knowledge and skills on value-added produce, direct marketing, and risk management.
Task 3.3 Organize a field day to successful cooperative or farm enterprises managed by SSDPs.
Task 3.4 Conduct farm planning and agribusiness/microenterprise training.
The KSU SSDP project conducted regional workshops and sponsored attendance of numerous SSDPs at state and regional conferences. These opportunities provided technical assistance, education, and networking opportunities. In every instance, the regional workshops included presentations on cooperative farm business operations, value-added production, marketing, and risk management, and supporting activities. Conferences included the SSAWG (Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group) Conference, KSU Small Limited Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, monthly Third Thursday Thing, and on-farm field trips.
Interviews with and feedback SSDPs indicated that forming cooperatives for production and marketing is a topic of future interest but that they are not ready to participate. This is a message that came through readily.
While interviews and workshop feedback indicated many positive comments, SSDPs also seem reluctant about pursuing cooperatives as an alternate model to enhance their production and marketing operations. As a result, producers expressed limited interest in pursuing a cooperative model. It appears the concept is still intimidating and requires further education. There is a limited history of success or perceived success with cooperatives throughout the state. Even in the early 2000's, the concept of cooperatives was met with skepticism, even from some Extension agents.
Here are selected comments from a few of the interviewed SSDPs: