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: History of Food Co-ops in the Northeast, Northeast Organic Farming Association Conference, 2018
- Economic Democracy: Building Co-operative Power, Northeast Organic Farming Association Conference, 2018
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.
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.