2025 is the International Year of Co•operatives

Co-operatives Track at 2015 NOFA Mass Summer Conference

Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is sponsoring a special "Co-operatives Track" at the annual 2015 NOFA Summer Conference, August 14-16, at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA.

The workshops, which will take place in Campus Center 903 on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2015, address a variety of ways in which co-operative enterprises are improving the food system domestically and internationally, practical steps for farmers interested in marketing to food co-ops, and strategies for applying this unique economic model to growing more economically and environmentally sustainable food systems:

  • Northeast Dairy Challenges & Co-operative, Organic Solutions with Regina and Brent Beidler (Farmer-owners, Beidler Family Farm & VT Rep, Organic Valley Co-operative). Fri, August 14, 2 – 3:30PM.
  • How to Start a Food Co-op in Your Community with Bonnie Hudspeth (Membership & Outreach Manager, Neighboring Food Co-op Association) and Michael Faber (General Manager of Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene, NH). Fri, August 14 , 4 – 5:30PM.
  • Co-op Conversion for Business Success with Adam Trott (Staff, Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops; Worker/Member, Collective Copies) and Erbin Crowell (Executive Director, Neighboring Food Co – op Association). Sat, August 15, 10 – 11:30AM.
  • Farmer Co-ops For Efficient Production & Marketing with Roger Noonan (President, New England Farmers Union) and Erbin Crowell (Executive Director, Neighboring Food Co-op Association). Sat, August 15, 1 – 2:30PM.

The NOFA Summer Conference features nearly 150 workshops on farming, gardening, land care, nutrition, & food politics; full and half day pre-conferences; and 100+ exhibitors. This is a family-friendly event with activities for children and teens, country fair, and organic meals. Budget conscious accommodations are available, including camping and dorms.

Find more info on the workshops and Register herewww.nofasummerconference.org.

*** Register by July 17, 2015 and get a $20 discount