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Our Neighboring Co-operator
Doug O’Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association will be honored with the Neighboring Co-operator Award at the NFCA’s Annual Meeting on March 21, in Greenfield, MA.
The award recognizes O’Brien’s decade of leadership at the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), the role of the organization in representing and advocating for our co-ops and credit unions, and its partnership with the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) as we have worked to advance our vision of a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just, and sustainable food system, and a vibrant community of co-operative enterprise.
“It’s an honor to receive this award from a NFCA, an association that stands tall in the co-operative community,” said O’Brien. “I always look forward to the NFCA’s Annual Meeting and the opportunity to gather with so many committed co-operators. This is particularly important as we take some time to celebrate and also chart a course for the future of the U.S. co-operative movement at a critical time for our nation and the world.”
Doug has been with NCBA, the umbrella association for all types of co-operatives in the U.S., since 2016 and became President and CEO in January of 2018. Before joining the association, he led the work of the White House Rural Council and served in top positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture focusing on rural economic development. In his capacity with NCBA, Doug O’Brien works with the co-operative community, both domestically and internationally, to deepen its impact and influence. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of the International Cooperative Alliance(ICA) and DotCooperation, LLC.
It’s been my pleasure to work with Doug over the years,” said Erbin Crowell, NFCA Executive Director and a member of the NCBA Board of Directors. “We’re excited to recognize his decade of service with NCBA, his unwavering commitment to our movement, and his partnership as we have worked to ensure that our co-ops and their associations are able to continue to thrive and empower people to build more resilient and inclusive communities.”
Doug has also worked in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House and for two Governors. O’Brien’s experience in academia includes teaching and writing at the University of Arkansas Law School and Drake University Law School. O’Brien was raised on a diversified farm in Dubuque County, Iowa, and holds degrees from Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa), the University of Iowa Law School, and the University of Arkansas LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law.
Doug O’Brien joins a growing group of people honored with this award, including Terry Appleby, former General Manager of Hanover Co-op Food Stores (NH & VT); Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund; Kari Bradley, former General Manager of Hunger Mountain Co-op (VT); Alex Gyori, former General Manager of Brattleboro Food Co-op (VT); JQ Hannah, Assistant Director at Food Co-op Initiative (FCI); Kay Litten, former NFCA Board Member and longtime Director of Hanover Co-op Food Stores (NH & VT); Patrice Lockert Anthony, former President of GreenStar Co-op Markets (NY); Glenn Lower, former General Manager of Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op (VT); Roger Noonan, President of the New England Farmers Union; Alice Rubin, former General Manager of Willimantic Food Co-op (CT); and Joanne Todd, Director at Willimantic Food Co-op (CT) and CEO, Northeast Family Credit Union.
The NFCA’s “Neighboring Co-operator Award” acknowledges special contributions made to the advancement of our vision and raises funds for co-operative development through CDF’s Education Fund. Individuals, co-ops, and organizations are invited to contribute in honor of Doug O’Brien and all our Neighboring Co-operators at https://www.cdf.coop/nfca.
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Welcome Our Interns!
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association is proud to welcome our Spring interns from the UMass Amherst Department of Economics. Christiana Cao and Tavishi Singh will be helping us collect critical data to help us communicate food co-op impact in the Northeast as they pursue their Certificates in Applied Research on Co-operative Enterprise.
Tavishi Singh, who is in her sophomore year in the Managerial Economics program at UMass Amherst, is looking forward to utilizing her research and data skills in the real-world setting of food co-ops, while Christiana Cao, who is pursuing an Economics’ and Mathematics’ degree with a minor in Business, is excited to learn more about how co-ops contribute to a sustainable and just food system.
“I am excited to join NFCA this spring as an Economic Research Intern,” says Tavishi. “My goal is to understand how member co-ops contribute to local economies, the well-being of the community and food system in the Northeast.” Tavishi continues, “I am really looking forward to working with all of you and learning more about NFCA’s amazing work!”
“As an economics student, I’m really interested in how cooperative businesses actually work in the real world and how they operate differently from traditional corporations,” adds Christiana. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to conduct data research on specialized enterprises like co-ops through this internship. This role also allows me to study the local economic multiplier effect firsthand.”
Both interns will be focusing on collecting impact data from all the food co-ops in New England and New York state to help communicate our difference to members, shoppers, activists, and policymakers. They will also be providing feedback and ideas on how we can use educational resources such as the NFCA’s Co-operative Educational Webinar Series to better engage young people, co-op members, and staff in the co-operative movement and business model.
NFCA members are encouraged to welcome Christiana and Tavishi at our Annual Meeting where they will helping out and learning more about our community of co-operatives.
Working together, the NFCA partners with the Department of Economics at the UMass Amherst and the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops to offer courses on the co-operative movement and internship opportunities. Learn more about the Certificate in Applied Research on Co-operative Enterprise.
Happy Happiness Day!
Members of CIAG at the historic Musée Social in Paris, France.
During the first International Year of Co-operatives in 2012, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared March 20 the annual Day of Happiness. What’s the connection with co-ops?
The United Nations was founded in the wake of the Second World War with the purpose of preventing conflict, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development, and upholding international law. The establishment of “International Days” are part of its efforts to educate the public, encourage policymakers to address global problems, and “celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity”.
In declaring the International Day of Happiness in 2012, the UN General Assembly asserted that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal,” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples.” The resolution was introduced by the nation of Bhutan, which had formally adopted Gross National Happiness as a measure of economic progress.
The role of co-ops in achieving these goals had long been highlighted by the UN, most visibly in its celebration of the first International Year of Cooperatives in 2012. In declaring a second Year of Co-ops in 2025, the organization again pointed to co-operatives as contributors to social and economic well-being and environmental sustainability as reflected in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are also being highlighted as part of Day of Happiness celebrations in 2026.
Indeed, the connection between co-ops and happiness is arguably at the foundation of the business model. In his book, Happiness, Democracy and the Co-operative Movement, Mark Kaswan writes that, at their heart, co-ops “change the nature of the relationship between their members, giving them the opportunity to see that their own interest are best served when they work with others to meet the collective interests of the members of their community — in other words, to see that the happiness of each is inseparable for the happiness of all.”
Your local food co-op is a great example of what can happen when a group of people come together to meet their shared needs and aspirations. When you shop at your local co-op, you are not only getting healthy food for yourself and your family. You are actively participating in a democratic business model that is building community food security, supporting local producers, sustaining good jobs, and helping to address climate change.
And food co-ops are not alone. Happiness Day is a great opportunity to consider how co-operatives empower people from all walks of life to build stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities. From farmer co-ops worker co-ops, housing co-operatives to credit unions, mutual insurance to energy co-ops, build a better world for everyone.
Erbin Crowell serves as Executive Director of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association and on the Board of Directors of the National Cooperative Business Association.
Engaging Shoppers
Working together, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association is spreading the word about the more than 60 food co-ops across the Northeast. For example, our ad in Green Energy Times reaches conscious consumers throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and regions of New York and Maine. Read more here!
Remembering Jesse Jackson
Photo: Reverend Jesse Jackson (left) and Congressman Jonathan Jackson with FSC/ LAF Executive Director Cornelius Blanding receiving the Federation’s Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award in his name.
The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund Mourns the Passing of Civil Rights Icon and “Great Unifier” Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund (FSC/LAF)is deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend, visionary, and 18th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., who passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.
This is a profound loss of a giant whose life’s work reshaped the landscape of equity in America. Reverend Jackson was a force in the movement for Black empowerment and economic justice. As the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he spent more than sixty years confronting the denial of civil and voting rights, challenging our nation to build more humane and inclusive systems.
Reverend Jackson brought people together across lines of race, culture, class, and belief. His long-time connection to the Federation was rooted in a shared commitment to grassroots organizing, saving family farms, and creating economic justice for rural communities at large.
“Much like other great civil rights leaders who paved the way, Reverend Jackson understood that civil rights and economic rights go hand in hand. His presence was felt in every movement for social justice, and his legacy continues to guide our work today.” —Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the FSC/LAF.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Reverend Jackson’s journey took him from the football fields of North Carolina A&T State University to the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His accolades reflect a lifetime of tireless dedication, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Bill Clinton in 2000 and the prestigious NAACP Spingarn Award for his outstanding achievements in human rights. A fixture of moral leadership, he was featured on the Gallup List of the Ten Most Respected Americans for more than a dozen years. Beyond his activism, he was a man of deep faith; following his ordination in 1968, he later earned his Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2000, further cementing his legacy as a spiritual and social leader.
The Federation’s bond with Reverend Jackson was celebrated most recently during its 52nd Annual Meeting, where he was named the recipient of the 18th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award. While health concerns prevented the Reverend from attending in person, his son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, accepted the honor on his behalf.
The Federation cherishes the dedication of a fierce advocate for marginalized communities and extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the Jackson family and the millions of people whose lives were touched by his ministry and activism. Rest in power, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association joins with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives in celebrating the life of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and his contributions to movements for economic democracy, Civil Rights, and a more just and equitable world.
Happy Birthday, Fiddleheads!
It’s always fun to celebrate co-op milestones, together! In February, Neighboring Food Co-op Association Associate Director Suzette Snow-Cobb joined Fiddleheads Food Co-op for their annual birthday celebration in New London, CT.
In addition to sharing information about food co-op impact across the Northeast, Suzette took the opportunity to talk about the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP). She also sampled Organic Valley cheese as an example of NOFFP producer partners. The NFCA was the first retailers organization to join the partnership, and food co-ops across the region, including Fiddleheads, have signed on to this effort support our dairy farmers and preserving farmland by increasing consumer awareness and demand.
“I had an opportunity to meet Fiddlehead’s staff and community members and hear why the co-op is important to them. I could see that Fiddleheads has fostered community engagement and a sense of pride in their co-op by the attendance and participation,” reflected Suzette. “The all-day celebration included music radio broadcasting, producer tables with lots of sampling, fabulous soup from the co-op kitchen, a co-op trivia game, and of course a birthday cake!”
Working together, NFCA member co-ops are strengthening the community of co-operators across the Northeast, providing opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared business success. Please e-mail info@nfca.coop if we can help your food co-ops celebrate.
Co-op Values Webinar a Success
In February, more than 60 co-operators from the Northeast and around the world gathered online for a mini-executive education session on putting our shared Values into practice.
One the most consistent requests we receive from food co-ops is access to educational opportunities on the co-operative movement and what makes our business model unique. As a member of the Co-operative Management Education Co-operative (CMEC), the NFCA works with the International Centre for Co-operative Management to provide a range of programs including a Master of Management for Co-operatives and Credit Unions, certificate programs, workshops and trainings.
On February 25, NFCA Executive Director and CMEC Board Member Erbin Crowell co-led a free, two-hour mini training on “The Business Advantage of Values,” with Dr. Sonja Novkovic (Co-operative Economist) and facilitated by Erin Hancock, ICCM Program Manager. The session was designed to support Managers, Directors and Staff of food co-ops, credit unions, and other co-operative enterprises interested in expanding their understanding of the Co-operative Identity, leveraging our shared values for competitive advantage, and learning from other co-operators and their sectors.
“It was very valuable the way the time was spent learning and listening, then breaking into small groups,” said one participant. “That’s when the practical ideas flowed and that could not have happened without the speaker piece” of the webinar.
“Co-ops are still businesses and as such need to compete in markets and promote themselves to consumers and members,” added another. “Articulating their unique co-operative values can help them attract members, staff and customers whose values align with their own.”
Through our membership in the Co-operative Management Education Co-operative (CMEC), the NFCA works with the International Centre for Co-operative Management Co-operative Management Educational Co-operative (CMEC) to provide co-op education and training opportunities for co-operators across the Northeast and around the world. For more information on the Centre and its programs, please visit https://managementstudies.coop.
Has your co-op been in the news recently? Send your item to info@nfca.coop.
March Cave-to-Co-op Special
This month’s special cheese is Pawlet, Woodlawn Creamery, Pawlet, VT
Each month, your Neighboring Food Co-ops feature our region’s artisan cheesemakers by offering a specially selected cheese at great price. Look for the “Cave to Co-op” sign in the cheese section at your local food co-op. To find one near you, visit www.nfca.coop/members.
Seventh-generation farmers Seth and Kate Leach of Woodlawn Creamery are a dedicated dairy family rooted in the Mettowee Valley of Vermont, where Seth is a seventh-generation farmer and Kate Leach— mother of two, avid gardener, and passionate home cook—loves creating comforting dishes with their farmstead Pawlet cheese.
Pawlet is a farmstead Italian-style toma made in West Pawlet using raw milk from the Leach family’s own Holstein herd. Aged for several months, this supple, natural-rinded cheese develops a balanced character—creamy and buttery at first bite, followed by gentle grassy notes and a subtle, lingering nuttiness that reflects the richness of the farm’s pasture-based milk. Named for the town the family has called home for generations, Pawlet is both a tribute to place and a testament to thoughtful, small-scale craftsmanship. Its consistent quality and depth of flavor have earned recognition from respected competitions including the American Cheese Society and the World Cheese Championship, underscoring its standing among Vermont’s most notable artisan cheeses.
Try using Pawlet for your favorite grilled cheese with sourdough or for an Alpine-style fondue. Try out Pawlet shaved into warm grain bowls, melted over roasted potatoes, folded into risotto, layered in breakfast strata, tossed with sautéed mushrooms, baked into savory bread pudding or in Macaroni & Cheese!
Mac and Cheese Featuring Woodlawn Creamery’s Pawlet
Makes 4-6 servings
12 oz. elbow macaroni or penne rigate
12 oz. grated Pawlet cheese
6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 cup dried breadcrumbs or panko
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil; set aside.
Melt half the butter in a medium saucepan. Add breadcrumbs and toss with a small amount of cheese. Set aside.
Wipe out the saucepan and melt remaining butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk. Cook until sauce reaches a gentle boil.
Stir in grated Pawlet cheese and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture.7. Bake for ~30 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Working together, the NFCA is leveraging the purchasing power or our food co-ops to support local producers. Each month, we work in collaboration with Provisions International to feature a specially selected local cheese at great price. Look for the “Cave to Co-op” sign in the cheese section at your participating food co-op.
Farmers Union Gathers for Annual Meeting
New England Farmers Union Members Robert Chang, Mary Castonguay, and Ella Kennan at the Fall Legislative Fly-In.
At its Annual Meeting in February, New England Farmers Union members gathered to hear updates on farm bill negotiations, considered priorities for the coming year, and approved an updated policy book.
“It’s been another big year for the New England Farmers Union, and we are thankful for your membership, participation, and support,” said Roger Noonan, President and an organic farmer in New Hampshire. “As we look forward to 2026, with legislative dysfunction and continuing challenges for family farmers, we also know that it is more important than ever that we work together to influence the policies that impact our farms, our food system, and our communities.”
Noonan welcomed special guest Aaron Shier, Government Relations Director with the National Farmers Union (NFU), inviting him to share updates on farm bill negotiations and how we can work together to advocate for farm families and their communities in DC in the coming year. With a rapidly evolving policy landscape in DC and around the world, a focus was on being prepared to advocate for farmers, consumers, and co-operatives in the context of potential renegotiation of the farm bill, which includes essential food security programs, billions of dollars in economic and disaster assistance for farmers and their communities, and resources for co-operative development.
Noonan thanked the National Farmers Union (NFU) for its continuing support and collaboration and shared some examples of efforts over the past year. For example, at NFU’s National Convention in 2024, NEFU worked with colleagues to introduce an order of business on “2025: The International Year of Co-operatives,” calling on NFU to build on and amplify its legacy of advocacy for the co-operative business model. He also expressed appreciation for the partnership of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) and CoBank’s support of policy advocacy initiatives. For example, in May, with shrinking federal support for farmers and food security, volatile markets and mounting trade tensions, President Roger Noonan, Board Member Erbin Crowell, Robert Chang of Echo Farm in Connecticut, and David Marchant of River Berry Farm in Vermont and member of Deep Root Organic Co-op participated in NFU’s Week of Action in Washington, DC, bringing together more than 100 farmers and advocates from across the country to walk the halls of Congress with an urgent message: We need a strong, comprehensive five-year farm bill.
And in September, Robert Chang, Mary Castonguay, NEFU Vice President and organic dairy farmer from Maine, and Ella Kennen, Coordinator for the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance joined more than 250 family farmers for NFU’s Fall Legislative Fly-In. It was a busy couple of days for the delegation, including visits to the offices of 14 legislators representing 5 Northeast states and meeting with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to call for increased staffing in local offices and stronger investments in farmer-focused programs. Efforts also included recruiting policymakers to the National Cooperative Business Association’s Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus, which currently includes Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT), Jim McGovern (MA), and Chellie Pingree (ME).
Reflecting its commitment to grassroots policymaking, NEFU Vice President Mary Castonguay presented for consideration an updated policy book. She thanked attendees for their unanimous approval, and shared her appreciation for the input of member farmers and food co-ops, and particularly the contributions of members Robert Chang, Erbin Crowell, and Ella Kennen to the drafting and editing process.
The New England Farmers Union relies on its members and partners to accomplish our work. Please join us – and encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up with the Farmers Union as we fight for the interests of family farmers, producers, and consumers in the Northeast and across our country.
Join the Farmers Union! Whether you are a farmer or consumer, urban or rural, local business or food co-op, the Farmers Union is fighting for you. For more information, please visit www.newenglandfarmersunion.org.
Upcoming Events
The NFCA’s 15th Annual Meeting and Member Gathering will take place Saturday, 21 March 2026, at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA.
We’re proud to share that our special guest and Neighboring Co-operator awardee for year will be Doug O’Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association! Member Co-ops have received registration information. If you have any questions, please e-mail info@nfca.coop and we look forward to seeing you soon!
