BCCM welcomes Coalition’s $3 million for successful local co-operative program

15 May 2019

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) welcomes today’s announcement from Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan for a $3 million boost for the Farming Together program. Based at Southern Cross University, Farming Together provides grants that assist farmer groups establish farm co-operatives and other collaborative business models.

The BCCM developed the country’s first “reg-tech” for co-operatives for the Farming Together program dramatically cutting the costs of starting up a co-op.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said, “I am delighted that our Farming Together program has been so well received. The Government looks forward to continuing to work with BCCM to better promote education and support for co-ops, which results in better support for our farming communities.”

BCCM’s CEO and member of the industry advisory group for Farming Together, Melina Morrison, said, “We are pleased with the support the Coalition is pledging to our co-op sector through this investment. It is important that farmers understand the co-op structure and the way it can help them. Farmers are under increasing pressure from the big supermarket chains to supply quality products at the lowest possible price. They are under pressure to compete in global markets. Being part of a co-op can be a huge help.”

“We are pleased that the Coalition recognises and supports our Blueprint for an Enterprising Nation. This announcement is proof of the Coalition’s commitment to the three key points we highlighted that Government needs to achieve in order to improve the operating landscape for co-ops and mutuals,” Ms Morrison said.

The three key points highlighted in the BCCM Federal Election Policy include:

1. Recognise and support the value of diverse forms of enterprise in the Australian economy

2. Ensure that policy, legislation and regulation works to provide a fair business environment for co-operatives and mutuals

3. Work with BCCM and its members to implement the objectives of our Blueprint for an Enterprising Nation