October is Co-op Month! // NFCA News October 2025

Co-operatives Build a Better World!

October is National Co-op Month, and your Neighboring Food Co-ops are joining other co-operatives and credit unions across the United States — and around the world — to celebrate!

This October, your Neighboring Food Co-ops are joining over 65,000 co-operatives and credit unions across the United States in celebrating Co-op Month, observed nationally since 1964. The theme for this year, “Co-operatives Build a Better World,” was chosen by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) to echo the United Nations declaration of 2025 as the second International Year of Co-operatives and raise awareness of co-ops as a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

For example, a recent survey by the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) found that there are 60 food co-ops in New England and New York State, locally owned by about 290,000 members, generating estimated annual revenue of $625 million, and employing more than 3,300 people.  These co-ops are engines of our regional economy, reporting an average of 30% of sales being local products. And food co-ops are not alone: from farmer co-ops to worker co-ops, credit unions to mutual insurance, and housing co-ops to energy co-ops, co-operative businesses thrive across the U.S. economy, where one in three people are co-op members.

“Co-operatives make a big difference in our local communities,” said Erbin Crowell, Executive Director of the NFCA and a member of the Board of Directors of NCBA.  “But many people are surprised by how business model is recognized around the world.”

Around the world, 1 billion people are co-op members and 10% of the world’s population is employed by co-operatives. The United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives acknowledges their contributions to the Sustainable Development Agenda and the urgent need to build a more inclusive, resilient, and global economy. Because they are governed by the people who use them to meet their needs, co-operatives are rooted in their communities, empowering them to create positive change.

“The International Year of Co-operatives 2025 is a time for both celebration and action,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations (UN-DESA).  “Co-operatives embody a model of enterprise and community where inclusion, empowerment, and societal resilience are just as valued as revenue and gain. Cooperatives have and will continue to be drivers of poverty eradication, women’s empowerment and social inclusion, while supporting full and productive employment and generating sustainable economic growth.”

Stop in at your local food co-op this October to learn more about what makes co-operatives different.  And while you’re there, look for the “Go Co-op” signs on the shelves that identify co-op made products. You may be surprised by what you can find, including dairy products from Cabot Creamery Co-op and Organic Valley, fresh produce from Deep Root Organic Co-op, fairly traded coffee, tea, and chocolate from Equal Exchange, coffee from Dean’s Beans and Pachamama, wine and olive oil from La Riojana, seeds and bulbs from FEDCO, naturally fermented vegetables from Real Pickles Co-op — and many others!  (For a list of additional co-op made products, visit our website.)

When you shop at your food co-op, you are working together with your neighbors to build a stronger local community and a better world for everyone. Of course, any time is a great time to stop in at your local food co-op and learn more about the difference that people are making in their communities through co-operation! 

For more information on Co-op Month and to find a food co-op near you, visit https://nfca.coop.

International Year of Co-ops Spotlight

As a member of your local food co-op, you know the difference that co-operatives make in your community every day. During 2025: The International Year of Cooperatives, we’re spreading the word about how co-ops across the economy are working together to Build a Better World for everyone.

In 1919, 94 farmers in Vermont joined together to form a co-operative, marketing their butter under the Rosedale Brand. Today, Cabot Creamery is owned by over 1,000 farm families throughout New England and New York State, offering a wide range of dairy products and supporting the sustainability of their member farms.

As one of our region’s best known and most-awarded co-operative brands, Cabot was recently honored with multiple first-place awards at the 2025 US Championship Cheese Contest, American Cheese Society Competition and World Dairy Expo.   This year, Cabot’s Mild, Extra Sharp, and Seriously Sharp Cheddars stood atop the podiums, as did their Greek yogurt and Salted & Unsalted Extra Creamy Butters.  Cabot Creamery Co-op is proud to be owned by the farmer members who provide the high-quality milk for its award-winning and great tasting cheeses and dairy products.

Underlying Cabot’s business success is its commitment to working with different co-op sectors such as food co-ops, credit unions and energy co-ops to spread the word about the co-operative difference. Clay Whitney, Specialty Markets Manager, noted, “Community, democracy and local ownership are integral to our business model — service to, and for, the communities in which members live, work and shop.”

In this spirit, Cabot has partnered with the NFCA to grow the wider co-operative movement with a special Co-op Month celebration: New members of Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) co-ops joining during October will be automatically entered to win one of 3 Two-Night Stay. (No purchase is necessary, and you can find more information at this link.).  Current members and others may enter to win here.

To learn more visit https://cabotcreamery.coop available, visit https://nfca.coop/Co-opMonth.  

Peer Dialogs: Sweet!

Food co-ops across the Northeast established the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) with the goal of providing members with opportunities for peer-to-peer networking, collaboration, and innovation, enabling staff and directors to build stronger relationships and support shared business success.

In September NFCA partnered with the Vermont Male Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA) to take a deep dive into the world of liquid gold — Maple Syrup!

“Maple is a locally produced, minimally processed, single ingredient sweetener, and maple producers maintain vast acres of healthy, biodiverse forests for generations to come,” said Allison Hope, Executive Director of VMSMA.  “Our region’s food co-ops are huge advocates for local producers, including sugar makers.  And it’s important to revisit maple in all the ways it appears on your shelves — in bulk, in center store, and perhaps in the coolers on the perimeter.”

Presenters from VMSMA covered aspects relevant to food co-op marketers, buyers and customer service staff including storage, shelf life, labeling, research, and answering common consumer questions. The session wrapped up with discussion and a syrup tasting of the popular three grades with samples donated by Mt. Mansfield Maple Products.

“Co-ops have a reputation for great customer service and in-depth product knowledge. For VMSMA, it felt like a natural fit to work with NFCA to revisit both consumer and retail best practices for maple storage and stock rotation as well as common consumer questions,” adds Allison. “Brushing up on common maple labeling requirements and highlighting food safety expectations means that co-op staff know what to look for when buying local maple products.  And of course, no conversation about maple would be complete without sampling some of our region’s liquid gold! Thank you for your work that supports and advocates for our local food system.”

Missed the presentation?  NFCA Member co-ops can e-mail info@nfca.coop for a link to a recording.  Want to learn more about tasting maple syrup? Check out this handy guide.

In addition to our Annual Meeting & Member Gathering in March, the NFCA’s Peer Networking Groups provide forums for ongoing communication, problem-solving and collaboration for Food Co-op Directors, Managers, and Departmental Staff.  These dialogs are organized based on feedback from our Member Co-ops on their needs and priorities, and include online opportunities for Board Leaders, Bulk Departments, General Managers, and Small Food Co-ops.

For more information on participating in NFCA Peer Dialogs, please visit our website or e-mail info@nfca.coop.  For upcoming sessions and other events, please see our online calendar.

Welcome New General Manager!

Brattleboro Food Co-op welcomes Emilee Hobbs as New General Manager!

The Brattleboro Food Co-op Board of Directors is pleased to share that Emilee Hobbs has been hired as our new General Manager. Emilee has been Interim GM since June and as the co-op’s Director of People and Culture since early 2022.

“In those roles, she created programs that boosted morale, lowered staff turnover by more than 20%, and built stronger relationships with our union partners through open and respectful dialogue,” noted Brattleboro’s Board of Directors. “Over the past few months as Interim GM, she has demonstrated the steady leadership and vision our Co-op needs to thrive. We look forward to this next chapter under Emilee’s leadership. Her clear thinking, courage, and cooperative spirit will serve our Co-op and community well. The Board extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and shareholders who participated in the search process and shared their hopes for the Co-op.”

Please join us in welcoming Emilee in her new role and look forward to meeting her at future NFCA gatherings!

Co-ops in the News

Co-ops at Common Ground

In September, more than 64,000 people attended the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association’s 49^th Annual Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, ME — and your Neighboring Food Co-ops were there!

In addition to spreading the word about our food co-ops, NFCA executive director Erbin Crowell participated in a panel sponsored by the Cooperative Maine Business Alliance on the International Year of Co-ops with Elissa Bower from Good Tern Food Co-op (Rockland, ME) and Zizi Vlaun, General Manager at Fare Share Food Co-op (Norway, ME).

October Cave-to-Co-op Special

This month’s special cheese is Swallow Tail from Stony Pond Farm, Fairfield, VT

Stony Pond Farm is a family-owned, certified organic farm owned and operated by Tyler and Melanie Webb in Fairfield, Vermont. Stony Pond Farm is also a Brand Partner with the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP).

Tyler and Melanie revived the 260-acre farm in 2004, raising a diverse herd—including Jersey, Devon, Ayrshire, British White, and crossbred cattle—on rotationally grazed, nutrient-rich pastures. Since 2019, they have crafted small-batch, cave-aged cheeses like Swallow Tail Tomme, developing complex flavors that reflect the farm’s commitment to quality and sustainability. At the farm they produce high-quality fluid milk, artisanal cheeses, and naturally raised 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

If you were to ask a cheese pro what a Tomme is, they’d likely give an answer along the lines of: it’s a relatively small format natural rind farmer’s cheese. Another answer might be: Tommes refer to small cheeses made in the summer months while the ruminants are out eating fresh grass. Both definitions would apply to Swallow Tail Tomme. Swallow Tail  is named after swallows that swoop and dive over the fields at Stony Pond, controlling pests that would bother cow and human alike. 

Swallow Tail pairs well with Chenin Blanc & Pinot Noir wines; Saison beer, dry hard cider; apples, pears, honey, fig jam, and sourdough.

Stuffed Chicken Roulade

Featuring Stony Pond Swallow Tail Tomme

Makes 4 Servings

•  4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz. Swallow Tail Tomme, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the grated Swallow Tail Tomme, chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Roulades: Place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken, securing the ends with toothpicks.
4. Sear the Roulades: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken roulades and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the white wine and chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the toothpicks and slice the roulades into medallions. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

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.

Advocating for Action in DC

In September, the New England Farmers Union joined more than 250 family farmers traveling to Washington to meet with members of Congress and demand quick, decisive action to reverse the crisis in farm country.

“Family farmers and ranchers can’t wait. Farmers Union members from across the country have made it clear that they need Congress to provide support immediately to reverse the building crisis in farm country,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Many policymakers this week reiterated the importance of farmers’ voices. Our members shared their stories. We now look forward to Congress acting on their behalf, for farmers’ sake.” 

Participating in the New England delegation were Robert Chang of Echo Farm in Connecticut, Mary Castonguay, New England Farmers Union Vice President and organic dairy farmer from Maine, and Ella Kennen, Coordinator for the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance.

“This was my first time doing a fly-in, and I was struck by how open and engaged legislators and their staff were,” said Ella.  “With so much happening at the federal level, it meant a lot to see how much they care about farmers and want to understand our realities here in New England.”

During the week, the New England Farmers Union delegation conducted whirlwind visits to the offices of 14 legislators representing 5 Northeast states.  In addition to advocating for our region’s farmers and consumers, they reminded policy makers of the critical role of co-ops in our communities, encouraging Representatives to join the bipartisan Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus.  

They also joined Farmers Union members from other parts of the country to meet with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the White House and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Farmers shared firsthand accounts of the economic, trade and market challenges affecting their operations. 

At USDA, senior leaders from the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service provided updates on programs and initiatives. NFU members called for increased staffing in local offices and stronger investments in farmer-focused programs. 

DOJ’s Antitrust Division hosted members for a listening session with Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater and senior staff. Discussions focused on antitrust enforcement and the need to strengthen competition laws to ensure fairness for farmers and protection from corporate monopolies in the marketplace. 

Farmers also met with senior officials from the White House and USTR to emphasize the importance of stable trading relationships. They expressed concern that ongoing tariff uncertainty and market volatility are putting added strain on family farm operations. 

“E-mails and calls help, but nothing beats meeting face-to-face with the people making decisions,” said Ella.  “I left DC with a real sense that we have collective power to influence our legislators — and that the Farmers Union helps us stand together and be heard.” 

As an affiliate member of the New England Farmers Union, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is working to strengthen the voice of farmers and consumers in Congress — and you can help!  Take action and join the Farmers Union today at a special NFCA rate.

There is a crisis in farm country: Corporate giants are raking in more money than ever; farmers are earning mere pennies of the food dollar; consumers are paying more for food; farm production costs are skyrocketing; farm labor is drying up – all this, while one-fifth of USDA’s workforce has been eliminated.  Join the Farmers Union in saying, “Enough!  Congress must act quickly and decisively – for farmers’ sake.”

Take action by following this LINK.

While you’re there, ask your Senators and Representatives to support bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Northeast policy makers would strengthen partnerships between local farmers, processors, food hubs, food distributors, and community-based organizations to deliver fresh, nutritious food to communities across the country: 

• Ask your Senators to support the “Strengthening Local Food Security Act” (S. 2338), co-introduced by Senator Jack Reed (RI).
• Ask your Representative to support the “Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act” (H.R. 4782), co-introduced by Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-1) and Josh Riley (NY-19).

Join the Farmers Union! The New England Farmers Union envisions a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.  Neighboring Food Co-op Association members can join and support our advocacy at a special discount!  For more information, please visit www.newenglandfarmersunion.org.