Strengthening Co-op Communities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded American Rescue Plan
Technical Assistance Investment (ARPTAI) Program


Are you a cooperative developer, development center or other group interested in using co-ops to work with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and operators, and other agricultural producers? We want to work with you!

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is working to support the needs of farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers. Our new project will provide technical assistance designed to strengthen local capacity and create opportunities for scaling agricultural production and accessing markets.

As part of USDA’s American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment (ARPTAI) Program, Strengthening Co-op Communities will create a community-led cooperative development ecosystem to invest in agricultural communities, address their needs and transform America’s food systems.

Learn More about ARPTAI

We look forward to working with you to reach  farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and operators, and other agricultural producers! Together, we can build resilience and equity into American agriculture.

Cristine Nardi, Program Director cnardi@ncba.coopKiara McGowan, Events and Digital Media Coordinator  •  kmcgowan@ncba.coop |Bernardo Penaherrera, Program Associate  •  bpenaherrera@ncba.coop 

Our Goal

To support farmers, ranchers and their communities
by creating a community-led cooperative development ecosystem.

Our Activities

  • Increase awareness of USDA grants and loans available for agricultural producers
  • Develop a cadre of cooperative developers with economic experience
  • Research policy and regulatory factors that encourage  development 

Webinar Archive

Building a More Resilient Food System through USDA’s New Regional Food Business Centers

During this webinar, USDA Agriculture Marketing Service’s Kate Fitzgerald and Samantha Schaffstall Dopp discuss the Regional Food Business Centers Program. These centers will provide coordination, technical assistance and capacity building to help underserved farmers, ranchers and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state and local resources—closing gaps and barriers to success.

Watch now