Solidarity – A Core Co-op Value // NFCA News September 2023

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In this edition:

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Federation of Southern Cooperatives

NFCA Executive Director Erbin Crowell with Ben Burkett, member of Indian Springs Farmers Association & State Coordinator of the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives.

In August, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) joined representatives from the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) and partner organizations for the 56^th Anniversary Celebration of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund (FSC/LAF) in Birmingham, Alabama. Emerging from the Civil Rights movement in 1967, the Federation paved the way for the co-operative development movement in the South and has since grown into an association of Black farmers, landowners, and co-ops with chapters in 17 states across the Southeast U.S.  The organization’s vision is for sustainable rural communities based on local control and ownership and supported by a network of farmers, landowners and co-ops, with a mission of catalyzing the development of self-supporting communities through co-operative economic development, land retention and advocacy. 

The NFCA has worked with FSC/LAF for many years, and in 2021 the two organizations formalized a partnership focused on building equitable trade relationships between Black-led co-ops in the U.S. South and food co-ops in the Northeast, expanding access to education and training, growing awareness of the co-operative movement, and advocating for policies that support co-op development and land retention for Black farmers.  At its Annual Meeting in March, Federation Executive Director Cornelius Blanding was the recipient of the “Neighboring Co-operator Award,” recognizing his leadership and commitment to the co-operative movement and a more healthy, just, and sustainable future.  More recently, the NFCA and FSC/LAF have collaborated on policy advocacy, including efforts to protect the Co-operative Legal Identity.

This year’s events opened with the annual Cooperative Roundtable moderated by Terence Courtney, FSC/LAF Director of Cooperative Development & Strategic Initiatives and attended by co-operative leaders from across the country, including Crowell and Doug O’Brien, President & CEO of NCBA CLUSA, as well as National Cooperative Bank (NCB) CEO Casey Fanon and RL Condra, Senior Vice President of Government Relations. The focus of this year’s conversation was on the infrastructure needed to support new co-ops, as well as the need to focus on succession strategies at established co-operatives so they continue to thrive and serve their communities.

“This gathering continues to inspire,” said O’Brien. “More than anything, it’s humbling to be reminded of the legacy of the Civil Rights movement and the amazing FSC/LAF history and continuing commitment to racial and economic justice, and to growing the co-operative economy.”

NCBA CLUSA was present at the founding of the Federation and continues to see their partnership as central to their mission and particularly their vision for a more inclusive economy.  O’Brien was joined at the event by NCBA CLUSA Executive Vice President and CFO Valeria Roach, members of the Board of Directors including Crowell and Christina Jennings, Executive Director of Shared Capital Cooperative.  FSC/LAF Executive Director Cornelius Blanding also serves on the NCBA CLUSA board.

The evening kicked off with a reception at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a reminder of how far we have come in the struggle for social and economic equity and inclusion, and how much more there is to do. The Annual Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner provided an opportunity to celebrate and honor people who have done so much to advance the work of civil and economic rights. This year’s honoree, Xernona Clayton, epitomizes the true spirit of community and co-operation, and the struggle for Civil Rights. Xernona moved to Atlanta in 1965 where she accepted a position with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Clayton also traveled extensively with Mrs. Coretta Scott King on her nationwide concert tours.  Dedicated to promoting racial understanding, she has been a leader in civic projects and civil rights activities for many years.  Her persistent fight against prejudice and bigotry was never more apparent than in 1968 when the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan denounced the Klan and credited Xernona’s influence with his change. Ms. Clayton’s dedication to the community is reflected in the many hours she spends promoting human relations through bi-racial groups devoted to improving racial understanding. A recipient of numerous media awards, Xernona has been widely honored for her contributions to humanity.  Xernona Clayton’s autobiography, “I’ve Been Marching All the Time,” was published in 1991.

The next day included a journey to the Federation’s Rural Training Research Center in Epes, Alabama, where co-ops and their members and partners gathered for a day of workshops, policy dialogs, and a panel of representatives from the USDA presenting information on the latest developments in programs supporting family-sized farmers.

The existence of the Center itself speaks to the struggle for justice and the power of association in enabling people to work together for a better future. In the 1960s, when sharecroppers were driven from their homes in retaliation for participation in voter registration efforts, one group formed a land buying co-op, pooling limited resources to purchase land. One of these properties was later acquired by the Federation and converted into a conference and training center in 1971. During the visit, Crowell and O’Brien also had the opportunity to join Cornelius Blanding and Training Center Director Freddie Davis for a tour of demonstration plots, as well as nearby housing and health co-ops that are part of the Federation.

Looking forward, the NFCA and FSC/LAF are continuing to advance their partnership, including dialogs at the gathering on sourcing of watermelons and other products from member co-ops and associations.

For more information on the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund, please visit https://federation.coop.

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Welcome New GMs!

The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) extends a warm welcome to Ian Rose, incoming General Manager of Springfield Food Co-op, Springfield, VT, and Darrion Whalen, the new General Manager for the Upper Valley Food Co-op, in White River Junction.

Originally from Boston, IAN ROSE has nearly 30 years of food service experience, mostly working in chef/owner-operated farm to table restaurants.  He and his family relocated to Vermont seven years ago wanting to create a new life chapter surrounded by nature.  Ian shared that he and his kids love exploring their country surroundings and delight at the abundance of amazing food grown so close to their new home.  

The culture of a workplace is of extreme importance to Ian, and he’s committed to putting lots of energy towards making sure that all who enter the Co-op feel encouraged and inspired by the space, the products and team members.

“I am extremely excited to begin my time working with the incredible team we have here at the store,” says Ian.  “My life’s work has revolved around local food and it’s an honor to be part of shaping our store’s place in Springfield for many years to come.  Life is made better with tasty food and our Co-op is the perfect place for our community to make those connections.”  

Ian looks forward to getting to know Springfield Food Co-op members and community and we look forward to getting to know him as a member of our Neighboring Food Co-ops community!

DARRION WHALEN grew up in the Hudson Valley area of New York and has since lived and traveled numerous places throughout the U.S. looking for a place to set down roots.

“Since becoming parents, my wife and I have sought a place that spoke to us and fulfilled our desire to be connected to beauty, varied landscapes, seasons and a simpler way of existence,” says Darrion.  “We have found that and more here in the Green Mountain state, and our roots are settling into the fertile soil.”

Darrion’s professional life spans a few decades in the food service industry, and then a transition to the retail grocery world in 2017 where he was the general manager for a regional independent grocer that specialized in organic foods.  This path led him to the Upper Valley Food Co-op, where Darrion shares that he is looking forward to leading the co-op team in their mission to provide the Upper Valley community with access to the most wholesome and high-quality foods, foster educational opportunities, and continue to be a positive force in the community. 

Please join us in welcoming Darrion and Ian to the Neighboring Food Co-ops community and look forward to meeting them at a future gathering.

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Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership

Poster at River Valley Co-op, MA

The work continues as we build food system resilience for the future.

In the fall of 2021, 135 organic family farms across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and eastern New York received the sudden news that Horizon and Maple Hill Creamery were terminating their purchase contracts, effective in early 2023. This news put these farms, many of whom have been in business for generations, at serious risk of closure unless they find alternate outlets. In January 2022, the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, a first-of-its-kind campaign in partnership with the Maine Organic Farming and Gardening Association (MOFGA), was created to help solve the crisis of disappearing family farms in our region.

NFCA was the first retailers’ organization to join the Partnership which is a collaboration of farmers, processors, retailers, activists, government agencies and consumers. Twenty-two NFCA member co-ops joined in the effort, encouraging their shoppers to take the pledge to support our organic dairy farmers and increasing sales of their products.

Last year NFCA member food co-ops sold more than $113 million in locally sourced products representing a 11.5% increase over 2021 dales. Co-ops that signed on as Retail Partners reported a collective increase of 14% in organic, family farm dairy products (Partner Brands) over 2021. A central goal of the effort is to increase demand for dairy produced in our region, creating market stability to help save the at-risk farms and build greater food system resilience for the future.

The work continues. Food co-ops have been pioneers in building a more resilient and sustainable food system by partnering with local farms, producers, and organizations with a shared mission. Providing opportunities for consumers to understand where their food comes from and the impact their purchases have on our regional economy is part of the work our food co-ops do on an ongoing basis.

The NFCA is encouraging its member co-ops to continue to contribute to consumer awareness by being Retail Partners, encouraging consumers to take the pledge to increase their purchases of Northeast organic dairy products, and promoting regionally-sourced brands.

To sign the consumer pledge, become a Retail Partner, or learn more about the Partnership, please visit: https://www.saveorganicfamilyfarms.org.  And if your Food Co-op’s Marketing Manager or Dairy Buyer would like to be more involved in planning this effort, please e-mail Suzette Snow-Cobb.

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President Joe Biden welcomed to the stage, Roger Noonan top right.

Farmers Union Leaders Attend Inflation Reduction Act 1-year Anniversary 

Four Farmers Union member-leaders had the chance to join President Biden to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. All four of the members have first-hand stories about the major investments in conservation programs included in the legislation.

New England Farmers Union President Roger Noonan, Rachel Bouressa of Wisconsin Farmers Union, Kyler Brown of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, and Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish were all invited up on stage to stand with President Biden during his remarks.

These Farmers Union members also had the opportunity to hear from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Michael Regan as part of the festivities.

Also during August, the House Agriculture Committee, which includes Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Janana Hayes (CT-05), and Jim McGovern (MA-02), held several field hearings in Maine.  The listening session in Freeport brought together farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusiness owners to solicit public feedback — an integral part of the Farm Bill reauthorization process.  New England Farmers Union President Roger Noonan participated in the dialog, highlighting the impacts of market concentration on rural communities and the need for updated disaster assistance programs for farmers operating at a smaller scale, particularly in the wake of recent flooding across our region. 

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