NOFA Summer Conference 2018: Co-op Track Presentations

The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) sponsored a special track of workshops and presentations, “Co-operatives in the Food System,” at the 44th Annual NOFA Summer Conference, August 10-12, 2018 at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA.

The Co-op Track workshops on Saturday, August 11, 2018–organized in collaboration with the New England Farmers Union and the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops–addressed a variety of ways in which co-operative enterprises contribute to a healthy, just and sustainable food system, including practical steps for small producers and co-ops to comply with new food safety rules, the legacy of food co-ops strengthening food security and empowering people to build sustainable food systems, and how to launch a new co-op or convert an existing business to a co-operative.

Co-op Track Workshop Presentations


A Legacy of Food Security: A History of Food Co-ops in the Northeast

This presentation from the Neighboring Food Co-op Association’s track of workshops “Co-operatives in the Food System” at the 44th Annual NOFA Summer Conference covers how food co-ops foster and support farmers and food security. See examples of how food co-ops in the Northeast have used economic organizing for a lasting impact on our food system and economy, laying the groundwork for the organic, natural foods, and local movements.

  • Bonnie Hudspeth: Membership Programs Manager, Neighboring Food Co-op Association.
  • Suzette Snow-Cobb: Sourcing Coordinator, Neighboring Food Co-op Association.

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Economic Democracy: Building Co-operative Power 

This presentation from the Neighboring Food Co-op Association’s track of workshops “Co-operatives in the Food System” at the 44th Annual NOFA Summer Conference covers stories from the book “Building Co-operative Power” of the history and concept of worker co-operation including past and present examples of worker co-operatives, co-op collaboration in and across sectors, conversions, education and development in the Connecticut River Valley.

  • Suzette Snow-Cobb: Sourcing Coordinator for the Neighboring Food Co-op Association stakeholder director for VAWC.
  • Adam Trott: Works at the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-operatives (VAWC) and Shared Capital Cooperative.

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