Co-op case studies highlights sectors strength in agriculture

31 May 2016

In April, the Federal government announced a $13.8 million education pilot aimed at improving farmers’ access to information on setting up and running co-operative businesses.

The Farm Co-operatives and Collaboration Pilot Program, was launched at Northern Rivers dairy co-operative Norco by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce and the Member for Page Kevin Hogan. The program was one of the measures announced in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper last year.

As part of the program launch, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources produced case studies showcasing the success of co-operative businesses in agriculture through their collaborative approach. The co-operatives highlighted include:

• Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative Ltd
• Goulburn Valley Food Co-operative
• Northern Co-operative Meat Company Ltd
• Oz Group Co-op Ltd

The pilot program will be rolled out over the coming months by Southern Cross University and will run until 30 June 2018.