The first cooperative was formed in 1844 in Rochdale, England by a group of weavers. The Rochdale Pioneers founded their cooperative on valued principles and today all cooperatives are guided by those same ideas.Open Membership - anyone who wants to become a member is eligible.
Democratic Control - members control the direction of the co-op as they elect board members to represent them
Limited Returns on Investment - returns are limited to keep control in the hands of the users
Patronage Refunds - earnings are returned to members in proportion to the amount of business done with the cooperative
Continuing Cooperative Education - a duty to educate members and the general public about the cooperative form of business
Cooperation Among Cooperatives - working together is a major strength of cooperatives
Concern for Community - while focusing on members' needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities
Cooperatives are present in all facets of our lives. A few cooperatives with familiar names are Prairie Farms, Sunkist, Blue Diamond Almonds, Ocean Spray, Sun Maid Raisins, C & H Sugar, Land O'Lakes, and Welch's.
Agricultural cooperatives partner with producers to improve productivity and offer premium products and services. Agricultural cooperatives perform at a level comparable to large corporations but do so while maintaining a close personal relationship with their customers and improving the local economy. Co-ops proudly deliver value to their community and their members.