October is the month in which the world celebrates the unique and powerful business structure of the cooperative model and brings awareness to the advantages of being a co-op member. 

This year’s Co-op Month theme, “Co-ops Build Economic Power,” was selected to “lift the cooperative business model as the best way to build an economy that empowers everyone.”

In Tennessee, there is no greater cooperative success story than our Co-op system. In September, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) celebrated 77 years as an advocate and supporter of farmers throughout our trade area. The business has changed greatly, but our mission to help the farmer and support our member Co-ops and associate members remains the same. 

“There’s no doubt that we are better together,” says TFC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Huff. “Our business has been much stronger and more successful because we know the value of working together to help our farmers and support our local communities and the agriculture industry.” 

Over the past 10 years, TFC has been able to return $173.5 million in cash to its member Co-ops, $4.6 million in member programs, $130.8 million in cash patronage, and $38.1 million in redeemed allocated reserves, all of which directly benefitted local farmer-members. 

According to the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), the majority of America’s 2 million farmers and ranchers belong to at least one farmer cooperative. NCFC is made up of regional and national farmer cooperatives, representing nearly 2,000 local farmer co-ops across the country. These generate some $6.5 billion in net income each year and employ more than 250,000. They represent well-known brands like Land O’ Lakes, Ocean Spray, Blue 

Diamond, and many others. 

Cooperatives adhere to seven principles that set them apart from other business models:

• Voluntary open membership

• Democratic member control

• Members’ economic participation

• Autonomy and independence

• Education, training, and information

• Cooperation among cooperatives

• Concern for community

During a time when businesses of all kinds are facing increased challenges from inflation, supply chain issues, and labor shortages, the cooperative model is a proven way to meet those concerns head on. Programs like the one highlighted on page 5 of this issue will hopefully help the local Co-ops while benefitting the individuals who participate in the training, ultimately strengthening local communities. Last month’s announcement of the formation of the new Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation will support youth development and community outreach — another example of Co-op's commitment to the communities in which it operates.

“Our members and customers should be proud of their locally owned Co-ops,” says Huff.  “When someone shops at their local Co-op, they are supporting their local farmers.”