The Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development‘s meeting series continues this Friday, July 14 from 2-3:30 pm EDT with a conversation on co-ops in food systems. Forthcoming meetings will focus on real estate and childcare, the series will conclude with a session envisioning an equitable cooperative ecosystem. Please see meeting dates, times and links below.
Meetings will be kicked off by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development leadership. A panel of private sector representatives will describe the needs of the particular cooperative sector. A second panel of Federal government representatives will discuss how current programs can meet the needs of cooperatives and brainstorm ideas for additional solutions. Each meeting will provide an opportunity for robust discussion.
The Interagency Working Group meetings occur as a result of the 2014 Farm Bill mandate that the Agriculture Secretary “chair an interagency working group to foster cooperative development and ensure coordination with federal agencies and… cooperative organizations.” 7 U.S.C. section 1932(e)(12)
Forthcoming Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development Meetings
Cooperatives in the Food Chain
Friday, July 14; 2-3:30 pm EDT
Childcare Cooperatives
Friday, August 11; 2-3:30 pm EDT
Real Estate Cooperatives
Friday, September 15; 2-3:30 pm EDT
Envisioning an Equitable Cooperative Ecosystem
Friday, October 13; 2-3:30 pm EDT
For more information about this meeting series, please email coopinfo@usda.gov.