Progress 04/01/24 to 03/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Beginning producers Cooperatives Underserved agricultural producers Limited resource producers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During this reporting period, our program provided robust technical assistance through a variety of training and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of economically distressed and underserved farmers and cooperatives. These included dozens of in-person and virtual workshops focused on USDA program access, market planning, financial literacy, cooperative governance, and sustainable agriculture. The 10-month Cooperative Mentorship Program supported eight mentees from underserved communities, who reported a 54% increase in cooperative development knowledge. We also advanced the development of a comprehensive "Launch Box" and toolkit series--covering start-up, existing, and conversion stages of cooperative development--which we anticipate releasing in English and Spanish in 2025. Additionally, 16 fellows participated in the Cooperative Leaders & Scholars Fellowship, engaging in intensive eight-month training, site visits, and capstone projects on youth engagement, language justice, and workforce development. Specialized technical assistance was also delivered by partners like enBloom, Fundación Bucarabón, and Common Ground, who provided targeted, hands-on training in agroecology, regenerative farming, and culturally rooted agricultural practices. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of this project have been actively disseminated to communities of interest through a combination of virtual and in-person outreach strategies led by both preferred vendors and grantees. Partner organizations hosted educational webinars, regional events, and site visits--most notably the WHABR-led food ecosystem tour in Washington, DC--providing experiential learning opportunities and peer exchange. Educational materials and USDA resource guides were shared widely through grantee and vendor networks, including resources translated into Spanish and made available online. Project participants also showcased cooperative development models and success stories at national convenings such as the NCBA CLUSA IMPACT Conference, Farm Bureau Celebrations, and the Cooperative Educators Conference. In addition, dissemination will be further strengthened with the upcoming launch of a digital cooperative development toolkit by 2020 Farmers' Cooperative, which will expand access to practical training materials in cooperative governance and financial education. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period, the program aims to focus on finalizing and launching cooperative development toolkits in both English and Spanish, tailored to meet the needs of cooperatives at varying stages of business maturity. We also expect to pilot and refine the ZForm platform in partnership with USDA FSA to streamline farm registration processes and improve access to USDA programs, with a focus on economically distressed and underserved regions such as Puerto Rico and Texas. Our technical assistance efforts will continue to support the formal launch and scaling of cooperatives including Fundación Bucarabón, Rolling Plains, and the Urban Vertical Farm Initiative (UVFI). Additionally, we also plan to advance policy and regulatory research through collaborations with CLARITY 2.0, Just Results, and our Tribal Lands collaborating partners, aiming to reduce structural barriers to cooperative development in Indian Country, Puerto Rico, and other underserved communities. We also expect to advance recommendations from the research on co-op development in prisons and for returning citizens post-release.. Finally, we will continue to support our 2024 grantee cohort through tailored technical assistance, business coaching, and cooperative governance training to ensure strong outcomes across the board.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Through the Preferred Vendor Program component of the project, the following was accomplished: Matson Consulting Matson finalized a feasibility study supporting the development of a national network of vertical farming cooperatives. This work, done in partnership with MOBU Enterprises and Green Side Up Farms, included sites in Georgia, Nevada, Michigan, and New York. The resulting Urban Vertical Farm Initiative (UVFI) leverages sustainable container farming systems and cooperative ownership structures to empower underserved urban producers and food-insecure communities. OurSpace World, Inc. (OSW) OSW continued technical assistance to enBloom and began grant advising support for "we have always been related" (WHABR), which will culminate in a public-facing educational webinar. OSW also supported a national food justice ecosystem tour and completed technical support for Healthy Soil and Food Safety grants. This work expands cooperative visibility and capacity within emerging agriculture networks. Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) MCDC concluded legal and tax status research for producer co-ops, which is informing revisions to Montana's state code. Their support helped the Montana Food Hub and Rolling Plains Cooperative complete incorporation, finalize business plans, and secure a total of $40,000 in USDA and private grants. MCDC also developed outreach materials for future cooperative applicants seeking 521 status. Keystone Development Center (KDC) KDC continued business planning and governance TA with enBloom, finalized support to the Aliquippa Food Co-op, and maintained engagement with the Rappahannock Tribe. Deliverables included grant-ready work plans and incorporation documents. Their support has directly positioned multiple cooperatives to apply for USDA and other funding streams. CooperationWorks! (CW) CW concluded its national mentorship program, which saw an average 54% increase in mentee knowledge of cooperative development. CW also advanced the Spanish-language version of its cooperative curriculum and began piloting the "Building Blocks" program for Spanish-speaking TA providers. One Spanish-language TA contract was paused, but findings are guiding future inclusion strategies. Carolina Common Enterprise (CCE) CCE wrapped up work with Rooted Traditions Cooperative, delivering key technical improvements including accounting systems, break-even analysis, inventory controls, and member participation tracking -- all contributing to professionalization and growth. Northwest Cooperative Development Center (NWCDC) NWCDC provided TA to Tribal-led cooperatives across Washington and beyond, including board trainings, business planning, and publishing an Indian Country Co-op Business Guide. Their work supported Synergistic Grizzly Design and the Rez Chick's Fresh Eggs Cooperative. Rain Cooperative Consulting Rain continued support to AgriUnity-Texas, assisting in financial modeling, governance structuring, and USDA grant exploration. Their guidance helped the co-op assess options such as carbon credit contracts and national equity initiatives, while developing infrastructure to support intergenerational wealth-building. Cooperative Development Services (CDS) CDS provided foundational technical assistance to the Alliance of Small Regenerative Farms in Minnesota, focusing on structure, operations, and long-term cooperative planning. CDS continues supporting efforts to build statewide training and equipment centers for small-scale farmers of color. Grantee Technical Assistance (2024 Cohort) 2020 Farmers' Cooperative (VA, National) 2020 launched an integrated training program for economically distressed and underserved farmers, combining virtual workshops and real-world skills in budgeting, sustainable agriculture, and USDA program navigation. At least 25 farmers will complete business plans as a capstone to the TA. Common Ground Producers and Growers (KS) Common Ground is building capacity through a soil health academy, peer trainer program, and TA focused on cooperative governance, market expansion, and farm business planning. Their 40-acre farm also serves as a training incubator for economically distressed and underserved farmers. Fundación Bucarabón (PR) The Fundación is forming Puerto Rico's first women-led coffee producer cooperative. They completed a training and incubation program and presented at major industry events. The cooperative is now in final stages of formal establishment, making it one of only ten ag co-ops on the island. Allensworth Progressive Association (CA) Allensworth's project is creating a childcare cooperative to reduce barriers for beginning farmers. Activities include foundational co-op education ("Lanza tu Cooperativa" & "Mentalidad Cooperativa"), one-on-one coaching, and integration with the TAC Farm Lab's beginning farmer training. Ujamaa Farmer Collective (CA) Despite resource limitations, Ujamaa advanced its land tenure and governance models for BIPOC farmers. Achievements included policy development, co-op governance frameworks, nonprofit incorporation, and deepened outreach. Their pilot land program is supporting one farm with secure leasing models. Ventures (CA) Before grant closure due to reporting gaps, Ventures successfully launched co-op 101 trainings and public outreach events. They advanced the formation of Futuro, a rural immigrant agricultural co-op, and launched a dedicated website. A final report was submitted post-cancellation.

Publications

Progress 04/01/23 to 03/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our programs provide technical assistance services to farmers and cooperatives, seeking access to USDA opportunities. Our partners are assisting with grant writing and submission of grants on to USDA portals for various agencies. We continue to find that our audience requires assistance with understanding the process for USDA applications and how to successfully secure funding. Our TA providers are also assisting with collaboration between USDA programs and services, such as the Meat & Poultry Processing Capacity and Rural Development, through direct technical assistance and educational webinars. We also provide assistance with organizational development and incorporation of cooperative farms, in order to access and apply for USDA funding. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Strengthening the cooperative ecosystem program continues to gain more awareness and the target audience can rely on access to the resources from the USDA. The cooperative ecosystem has consistently reached out to NCBA CLUSA as a guide to available USDA opportunities and services as well as learning about how best to leverage those resources. Our preferred vendor (technical assistance) engagement remained consistent with the inclusion of new projects to support historically underserved farmers, producers and their communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NCBA CLUSA plans to continue to grow its partnership with the USDA and has been able to work with the various agencies and provide webinars and informational sessions for our audience to better understand the programs that are offered and how they can qualify for these services. In addition, our website allows for direct connection to the online USDA platforms. We continue to work to produce and develop a launch box and series of toolkits, including Good Governance Toolkit, inclusive of various stages of development (ie; start-up, existing, conversion) (English and Spanish versions). Grantee Technical Assistance Delivery 2024 We opened applications for the 2024 cohort and approved 6 organizations. Our second round of grantees began their activities during this quarter. The organizations scope of work and descriptions are below, and we expect to see outcomes during their mid-term and final reports. Virginia (National) - 2020 Farmers' Cooperative (2020) 2020 Farmers' Cooperative will provide training and technical assistance to farmers in integrated skills development program which combines virtual workshops and practice in business planning, and accounting principles, instruction in budgeting and developing management controls, and sustainable agricultural practices. This technical training program will be facilitated by industry subject matter experts and business strategists and is aimed at developing the capacity of Black and brown farmers to sustain and scale their agribusinesses by acquiring fundamental skills and accessing strategic planning resources for effective business management. At the end of the project period, a projected 25 participants will have completed their business plans. Kansas - Common Ground Producers and Growers (Common Ground) will provide training and technical assistance to farmers in increasing production, expanding local farmer networks, creating opportunities for new markets, and strengthening local food systems. The 40-acre urban family farm is also becoming an incubator and educational space for new, beginning BIPOC farmers and farmers who have a desire to grow food but do not have access to land. Therefore, this grant opportunity aligns with the educational focus for farmers, which includes learning new techniques and impacting their local economic structure, starting with their local farms. To further facilitate the focus of this grant, Common Ground Mobile Market and Mobile Food Hub will: 1. Provide training for farmers to develop bank-ready business plans for their farms and ranches prior to submitting applications for capital funding and create online and in-person training to assist members in understanding basic accounting and business plan development. 2. Create webinars to assist members in understanding basic accounting and business plan development and 3. Provide cooperative development training and assistance to newly emerging and existing cooperatives through board governance, marketing, and other business-related activities. Puerto Rico - Fundacion Bucarabon will assist in creating the first cooperative of women coffee growers, workers, and producers of Puerto Rico. Overall concept objective: create marketing opportunities; enhance employment; advocate for gender pay parity and equality; promote expansion of learning and training opportunities for younger women interested in coffee production. Recently, economic growth strategies are turning to values-based supply chains to enhance the competitive advantage of vulnerable farmworkers. Costs along the supply-chain are high and profit margins very low, which leaves women coffee growers and producers at a disadvantage vis-à-vis larger and vertically integrated corporations. We propose the creation of the first women's cooperative of small and mid-size coffee growers, workers, and producers. Allensworth Progressive Association (Allensworth) - The Cooperative Childcare for Beginning Farmer Prosperity (CCBFP) Project will bring a childcare cooperative to benefit beginning farmers - those historically denied or limited in accessing benefits of government agricultural programs - and their families in Allensworth, CA. The goal is to eliminate the disadvantages faced by beginning farmers of color (men and women) who are or wish to become parents but face barriers to affordable, accessible childcare. The anticipated outcomes include: more mothers able to enter the workforce; higher family income potential; more equitable ability to access supportive programs offered by the USDA and other agencies; and a close community of solidarity and care among parents, childcare workers, and young children in Allensworth. The CCBFP project will work synergistically with TAC Teaching and Innovation Farm Lab's Beginning Farmer Training Program (BFTP.) Included in the training is a cooperative education component where students gain knowledge of the historical impact cooperatives have on California Agriculture and insights into how small farmers can leverage cooperative principles to gain services and marketing channels. Allensworth residents are calling for a local solution to childcare by forming a childcare cooperative. The CCBFP project will conduct outreach and hopes to engage an estimated 12 families - roughly 50 individuals community members in the project's launch. The project will have multiple, intersecting benefits: while improving access to childcare, we hope to be able to increase enrollment in The Allensworth Community Farm's Beginning Farmer Training Program, while advancing Solidarity Economy practices and values for cultural change. Ujamaa Farmer Collective - will specifically target the empowerment of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers and ranchers, focusing on two key areas: cooperative governance and technical assistance. The cooperative governance aspect aims to strengthen the organization's collective decision-making structure with the values of being BIPOC led, and farmer driven. Within their land tenure program, they will incorporate a cooperative economic model for existing land ready BIPOC farmers and ranchers. In terms of technical assistance, the program is committed to the empowerment of beginning and aspiring BIPOC farmers. For beginners, the pathway includes learning about the business side of farming, encompassing technical aspects such as crop production, sales, and distribution. Aspiring farmers will receive tailored support based on their experience level with an immersive learning approach. UFC plans to pair them with seasoned professionals to offer hands-on, practical skills and knowledge transfer directly on the land. Ventures - Ventures will recruit and train out-of-work immigrants in rural regions to be members of an agriculture-specific member co-op, supporting participants with market access to living wage work while cultivating a new equitable economic framework that includes individuals who have been traditionally excluded from economic markets. The model includes both classroom and handson training, designed in partnership with local micro-entrepreneurs. Through training, member coops, and representation on the Futuro co-op, Ventures will address the financial needs of an underserved population and provide access to capital, markets, and networks. Capital partners may include Shared Capital Cooperative, a nationwide lending partner that specializes in cooperative financing and lending; Santa Cruz County Bank; or other micro-entrepreneurial funds and community foundations.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? ?Our programs remained consistent during this period, working directly with producers, farmers and cooperatives who are historically underserved in learning various financial planning and preparation, as well as business planning through online conferences, webinars, and trainings. Matson Consulting began a new feasibility study for producers in Georgia, Las Vegas and New York state, working collectively to increase capacity for vertical farming. Matson's initial research phase began during this quarter. OurSpace World, Inc continues its work with producers in their network. During the period of October - December 2023, OSW incurred two more projects 1) enBloom, to assist in refining and re-submitting a proposal for USDA's Food & Agriculture Service-Learning Program (FASLP) for FY2024. 2) OurSpace World, Inc.'s Calabash Consultant Collective (CCC) is supporting an emerging cooperative initiative among three organizations in applying for the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education's (NC-SARE) - Farmer-Rancher Grant Program (FRP). Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) During this quarter, the center continued phase one of this research project with their initial task of learning and developing a process for producer co-ops to achieve not for profit status in the state of Montana. The Keystone Development Center (KDC) continues their work to support the Aliquippa Food Co-op. KDC also continues to support the Rappahannock Tribe. The organization is now also working with the Keystone Tree Crop Cooperative, providing technical assistance towards the business management goals in order to secure additional USDA funding. Cooperation Works (CW) continued programming for the cooperative mentorship program. The group consists of 10 mentors from various backgrounds around the country who are educating their communities. Mentors include seasoned cooperative leaders from the US. December training included finance management. The program started later than expected and the timeline was revised to conclude the mentorship in July 2024. Carolina Common Enterprise - During the months of November and December, Carolina Common Enterprise engaged in a series of targeted activities with the Rooted Traditions cooperative. Northwest Cooperative Development Center is working with Tribal members engaged in agricultural cooperative initiatives, and other cooperative ventures that indirectly support Native Indian agricultural lifestyles, from beginning entrepreneurs to eldercare. Grantee Technical Assistance Delivery Our first round of grantees concluded their activities during this quarter. We opened applications for the 2024 cohort and approved 6 organizations. The final reports from our 2023 partners are included and their milestones are below. Maine - The Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) completed their training and education towards the creation of a cooperative halal meat brand composed of local producers that would be centered around a local immigrant-owned processor, Five Pillars Butchery in Unity, Maine. Milestones achieved during the grant period include: 1. CDI conducted cooperative education sessions with 11 farmers towards the formation of the cooperative. 2. CDI submitted a successful RBDG grant application in support of the halal meat brand cooperative, receiving an additional $65,150 to support the project. 3. CDI conducted three workshops with lead coordinators, as well as delivering an in-depth case study and networking opportunity with Five Pillars and Harvesting Good. 4. A commitment form for the steering committee of the halal meat brand cooperative has been developed and progress has been made in forming a steering committee of at least five members. Ohio - Cincinnati Union Cooperative Initiative (Co-op Cincy) Co-op Cincy has helped accelerate a diverse group of existing and emerging farming cooperatives in Greater Cincinnati through agricultural training, cooperative coaching, technical assistance, and shared access toland, distribution resources, and markets.Milestones achieved during thisperiod include: $193K from Weekly Harvest box program, with $220K projected by the end of the year $47K in wholesale, with $52K projected by the end of the year $15.6K via Northside Farmers Market, with $17K projected by the end of the year $New TANF program beginning in spring $10.6K from food access program with Council on Aging, $12.6K projected by the end of the year $11.4K in greens sales + SNAP, $14K projected by end of year $45K in grants, $55K projected by the end of the year A co-op network celebration was held on December 7 with participants from Growing Black Power, Our Harvest, and Co-op Cincy. Held a 6-week feedback and communications series to support Our Harvest, building communication skills to ensure co-op principles and identity are being lived. Bhutanese Bari peppers were sold through Our Harvest farm stands and shared with Our Harvest workers. Kentucky - Empucate International completed this phase of their work to provide the cooperative farming community members with a sound understanding of the basic accounting tools and bank-ready business plan development that will equip them with the skills needed to access the mainstream capital sources and to expand their fresh produce markets. Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) successfully completed their technical assistance work with a group of black farmers in Kentucky to form the Kentucky Black Farmers Cooperative. California - California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) is providing technical assistance and education for underserved producers to increase their understanding and access to USDA farm programs in general, and how to reach out to USDA and provide more in-depth information on the following programs: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Food Safety Certification Value Added Producer Grant Education includes a webinar recording including an introduction to each of the programs and including case examples of how the programs were used. The webinar recording will be in English and Spanish and will be posted on CCCD's website. Agroecology Commons (AC) - In November AC hosted a second soil workshop in collaboration with the Contra Costa Resources Conservation District, Berkeley Agroecology Lab, and the Healthy Hearts Institute Farm. On December 2nd and 3rd, Agroecology Commons hosted a cooperative organizing skill share for 55 land stewards and cooperators to share stories, learn from one another, and build relationships. DMV- Network for Developing Conscious Communities completed their four-part underserved farmers webinar series. The webinars consisted of: 1. Agricultural Business Management 2. Developing Marketing Plans 3. Taxation - 2.4 CPE credit hours 4. Agricultural Wealth Building Technical Assistance in Action: Benefits Received by target audience USDA Rural Business Development Grant - 11 producers awarded $65,150.00. USDA Meat & Poultry Processing Capacity - 5 producers received TA. USDA Value Added Producer Grant - 1 cooperative. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) and/or Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) - 3 cooperatives (1 application submitted + 1 cooperative anticipating submission during the next round) USDA's Food & Agriculture Service-Learning Program (FASLP) - 1 cooperative USDA Community Food Projects - 1 cooperative USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities - Tree Crops Cooperative - $200,000 to cooperative tree crop supply chain development in PA over the next 5 years. USDA Food & Nutrition Service - SNAP (TANF) -$11.4K in greens sales + SNAP, $14K projected by end of year (2023). USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant Webinar Outreach USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Outreach USDA Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Webinar Outreach

Publications

Progress 04/01/22 to 03/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:NCBA CLUSA is supporting historically underserved farmers, ranchers, foresters, and their communities by strengthening a community-led cooperative development ecosystem. The project is increasing awareness of the cooperative model among historically underserved farmers, ranchers, foresters, and the organizations that assist them; we are creating culturally appropriate resources to develop and run cooperatively owned businesses; developing a cadre of cooperative developers with economic and cultural ties and experience with historically underserved communities; and researching policy and regulatory factors that encourage sustainable cooperative development. Emphasis is placed on the following: Beginning producers Limited resource producers Underserved agricultural producers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The keys to success for our participants are creating business sustainability and providing access to resources. It is our role to assist in capacity building and directing cooperatives and trainers to the resources that they have expressed a need for. It has been beneficial for our participants to identify their needs and for our organization to assist in connecting them with the appropriate resources. Creating a locally led cooperative ecosystem must include the voices of the cooperative community. That community should be given the tools to access the USDA directly. One of the largest barriers that has been identified by our key groups is figuring out how to navigate USDA resources. Identifying participant needs and assessing the organizations goals and place in the cooperative community are paramount in finding the solutions for them. As we continue to engage cooperative networks, finding the missing links are essential. Education and training continue to guide our work and those cooperativesthat we work with.Consistent engagement is also key to making sure that the resources are reaching the intended communities, on the ground. Total Meetings: 2 Total Meeting Participants: 185 Total Webinars: 2 Total Webinar Participants: 214 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Total One-to-one Meeting Entries: 6 Total One-to-one Meeting Participants: 41 Meetings 11/7/2022: Nashville, TN -- Number of Attendees 60 10/6/2022: Washington, DC -- Number of Attendees 125 Webinars 6/23/2022: Number of Attendees 126 11/9/2022: Number of Attendees 88 One-to-one Meetings Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Financial management skills, Cooperative development, Market planning and access, Land access and planning, Financial planning, Business planning, Tax planning, Number of Attendees 15 Topics Cooperative development, Market planning and access, Business planning, Number of Attendees 6 Topics Risk management, Cooperative development, Number of Attendees 6 Topics Cooperative development, Business planning, Number of Attendees 4 Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Cooperative development, Number of Attendees 4 Topics Financial management skills, Cooperative development, Financial planning, Number of Attendees 6 Unexpected results from this project have been the opportunities for collaboration and synergy around projects within the ARP TAIP cohort. Often, our work compliments each other, and it makes sense to pull in other cohort members to work collaboratively to reach the intended outcome. CFFM has also been helpful in offering their online farm management tools for farmers and cooperatives to access. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NCBA CLUSA released a request for proposals for a small grants' opportunity to cooperatives and development organizations, preparing to work directly with producers who are historically underserved and economically distressed in learning financial planning, business planning and tax planning. The program identified and will be granting 7 organizations who applied in year 1, and implemation wil begin in the first quarter. We also released a request for quotations in an effort to engage the cooperative community and source organizations that are providing cooperative development training and educational opportunities for their community. We have identified the first 13 organizations that will provide technical assistance and training, throughout the country, and will engage them when opportunites arise. We held our national Cooperative Impact conference in October 2022. We had a session on how to leverage USDA resources. 7 different USDA agencies were on hand to discuss opportunities that cooperatives could take advantage of. This event was online and in-person. We are working to create a specific track for the 2023 Impact Conference for cooperatives and development centers working with historically underserved farmers and cooperatives. We are currently working with cooperatives to develop culturally appropriate capacity building resources to develop and run cooperatively owned businesses and working directly with cooperative developers / technical assistance providers in a locally led way to produce and incorporate the needs of the community. We have also hired the consultant to begin the process for the cooperative law and regulations initiative (CLARITY 2.0) framework to identify favorable policy and regulatory environment for cooperative development that supports historically underserved farmers and their communities.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In order to increase awareness of and access to USDA programs: Our organization hosted online conferences and webinars with organizations serving the target communities to highlight the use of cooperatives involving agricultural economies and USDA resources for cooperatives. (Ex: IMPACT Conference, AMS Webinar - Regional Food Business) We invited 7 agencies from the USDA to present at our 2022 Impact Conference with the focus on leveraging USDAresources for the cooperative community. We continue to work with USDA and other organizations that we identify to provide critical technical services. We are promoting existing cooperative communities that support cooperative development effort and provide information about loan opportunities for in-person and online trainings and utilize presentations from USDA staff as available. We continue to participate in conferences, programs and events supporting historically underserved farmers and cooperatives and making resources available for cooperatives and farmers. Lastly, we are promoting programs from NRCS, NIFA and other USDA agencies that are useful for farmers and ranchers through our membership and subscribers to our weekly communications and our website. Work directly with producers who are historically underserved and economically distressed in learning financial planning, business planning and tax planning through online conferences and trainings. We have established a list of TA providers who provide services to farmers to develop bank-ready business plans for their farms and ranches prior to submitting applications for capital funding and will work with them to increase capacity and assistance. We are working with 20 cooperative development organizations around the country to incorporate business planning and trainings to accomplish a locally led approach to cooperative development. One of our TA providers is being funded to work with a cooperative in Texas to provide a feasibility study. The feasibility study will examine the potential for the group to establish a cooperative, create a beef branding initiative, analyze the potential for different direct and wholesale sales outlets, and the potential to engage in processing activities. We are currently organizing a specific track during our 2023 Cooperative Impact conference for cooperatives and development centers to receive project management and various trainings to strengthen their work with historically underserved farmers. We are creating webinars and online trainings to assist members in understanding basic accounting and business plan development working with the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives for the 2023 tax season. We have granted 7 organizations with funding specifically to meet the needs of their community cooperative development goals. Including, enriching cooperative governance and marketing education to train 40 beginning farmers in 2023 participating in Bay Area Farmer-to-Farmer Training (BAFFT) and eight farmer educators and their apprentices in Farmer Mobilization (FM); building capacity for a multicultural and intercultural cooperative halal meat brand based in New England;accelerating a diverse group of existing and emerging farming cooperatives in Greater Cincinnati through agricultural training, cooperative coaching, technical assistance, and shared access to land, distribution resources, and markets; preparing educational material to provide the cooperative farming to Refugee Farming Cooperativecommunity members with a sound understanding of the basic accounting tools and bank-ready business plan development that will equip them with the skills needed to access the mainstream capital sources and to expand their fresh produce markets;providing financial assistance to the newly formed Kentucky Black Farmers Cooperative to retain legal counsel and accounting assistance in setting up the cooperative; and supporting the implementation of an intensive twelve week-long training and support program that helps teams of aspiring entrepreneurs to develop worker-owned green businesses. Develop culturally appropriate cap building resources to develop and run cooperatively owned businesses. We are currently working to produce and develop a launch box and series of toolkits, including Good Governance Toolkit, inclusive of various stages of development (ie; start-up, existing, conversion) (English and Spanish versions). We have specifically tailored this program so that it is available for everyone to access materials. We have developed and distributed a needs assessment for organizations to identify needs for their farms/organizations to benefit from this project. We are working to develop additional train the trainer (TOT) materials based on needs assessments, with an emphasis on governance, management, financial and marketing, which will include on the Launch Box and Governance toolkits. We are launching Cooperative Business School with a small group of developers and have work to tailor the "marketing school" for historically underserved communities in the US. We are launching Cooperative Business School (online) TOT education program with TA providers and other organizations. Training will be targeted to technical assistance providers working with historically underserved. In person meetings include funding for travel, lodging, content, lost wage or stipend, as well as speaker honorariums. Develop a cadre of cooperative developers / technical assistance providers: We supported the participation of 5 professionals in the Cooperative Leaders and Scholars fellowship through the Cooperative Development Fund. This fellowship is an opportunity for employees, board members, and post-secondary students working for cooperatives and others interested in working for a cooperative or cooperative organization to participate in multi-sector programming and events and engage with co-op industry thought leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The fellowship also provides a cooperative management course with St. Mary's University. We will be creating and translating the materials to launch TOT education program with CDC's and other organizations. Training is targeted to technical assistance providers working with historically underserved communities. We are in the process of developing a certification course with a minority serving institution for cooperative development certification. Participants will receive tuition scholarships in order to cover the cost. The program will be offered virtually and will be offered in English and Spanish. We continue to create partnership with CDC's and other organizations to provide resources and connect cooperatives with professionals to assist where needed (ex: feasibility studies). Identify favorable policy and regulatory environment for cooperative development that supports historically underserved farmers and their communities. We hired aconsultant to establish The Cooperative Law and Regulation Initiative (CLARITY 2.0) with cooperative law professionals in order to assess the current state agricultural and general cooperative enabling statutes in jurisdictions with significant numbers of socially disadvantaged and target farmers to identify potential obstacles to cooperative development.

Publications