Local food co-ops are part of a larger movement and trend in agriculture that focuses on reducing the distance between producers and consumers, supporting small-scale farming, and improving the health of people and the planet. These co-ops take a number of forms and undertake a range of activities, from production and marketing to value-added processing and retail operations.  Membership in these co-ops can include one or all of the following groups - farmers, consumers, community organizations, restaurants, etc.

The online tools and guides that appear on this page are the best of what is known to exist in Canada at this time. New materials will be added as they become available or as further research is completed in this area. NOTE: If you are aware of other tools or guides that should be added here, please let us know by sending an

How-to Guides

How to Organize a Local Food Co-op (US)

This guide is based on the lessons learned by the Oklahoma Food Co-op, which uses an online ordering system to connect local food producers and consumers.

Local Food for Food Service - UK Franchise model / development guide 

This comprehensive guide details the process of organizing local producers to market their goods to caterers, restaurants and other food service businesses. Although developed in the UK, it is fully adaptable to the Canadian environment. 

Farmers Market Operation -UK franchise model / development guide

This comprehensive guide details the process of setting up a successful farmer's market. Although developed in the UK, it is fully adaptable to the Canadian environment.

Value Plus:  Quest for New Organic Farm Value

This 75-page guide was designed for a workshop setting, but it is a useful tool for any organic producer considering how to add value to their farm products. It looks at all stages of the planning process from idea generation to risk assessment and market testing.

How to Start a Food Co-op

This comprehensive guide from the Co-op Grocers network offers a solid roadmap for setting up a retail food co-op in your area, which could provide an excellent means to market local food products.

Guide to Finding, Selecting and Using Consultants

This excellent guide was developed in the UK for social enterprises. It is useful for all types of co-operatives.

Case Studies

Working Together for Local Food

This guide includes profiles of 11 local food co-ops across Canada. It was developed in 2009 by the Canadian Co-operative Association.

Community Food Enterprise - 24 case studies

This international collection of case studies provides an in-depth examination of all types of community owned food enterprises operating at all ends of the food chain. Many of these enterprises are co-operatives.  

Success Stories in Local Food

This US collection profiles 5 different types of local food co-ops, with links to the co-ops' websites.

Co-op Success Stories in Food Branding

These stories profile co-ops that have created successful marketing for their members' products through branding strategies.  

Co-operating for Local Food Security: The Story of Saanich Organics - PODCAST

The story of Saanich Organics provides a look at the co-operative efforts of three female farmers as they work to establish a thriving, small-scale agricultural enterprise. (See link to audio file at bottom of page.)

Reports and other Resources

Working Together for Local Food (CCA)

This 2009 report includes profiles of 12 local food co-ops in Canada, along with a resource guide that outlines the various supports available to help build the local food movement in each province and territory. 

Lay of the Land: Local Food Initiatives in Canada (CCA)

This 2009 report offers a big picture view of the local food movement in Canada, showing the many types of organizations involved and the activities underway to strengthen the connection between local farmers and the food-consuming public.

Food Security Through Co-operation - Podcast

This audio presentation by a BC co-op developer who is involved in the food sector focuses on how co-ops can be used to re-build a local food system. 

Community Food Enterprises Report

This 2009 report offers an in-depth analysis of the many types of local food enterprises, including a look at strategies to increase their competitiveness, the obstacles they face and how they are overcoming them, their social performance, and their replicability in other regions.

Co-op Grocer Magazine