The research and consultation study sought to answer three questions:
What types of networks exist in Canada, the US and relevant European countries to serve agricultural co-ops?
Have agricultural co-op networks or federations existed (or attempted to exist) in Canada in the past and what lessons can be learned from their experience?
What are the common needs or opportunities amongst Canada's existing and emerging agricultural co-ops that could be addressed through some type of national network or common forum? Are the co-ops interested in pursuing such a network or forum?
The driving factor behind this research and consultation project was the fact that, in Canada, there are over 1300 agricultural co-operatives operating across a wide variety of sectors spread across the country without a national network or body to address their specific needs on a collective basis.
Unlike Canada, many other countries have successfully established national networks to provide sector support on an organized basis to agricultural co-operatives, sharing information and best practices as well as providing government representation, technical support, training and other sector specific services.
The project team produced a final report in March 2009 which put forward a number of recommendations for greater collaboration and information sharing for agricultural co-operatives at the pan-Canadian level. These recommendations are currently being considered by the two national co-operative associations.
