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 Producer co-ops are generally owned by independent producers or entrepreneurs who market their products and services and / or purchase their supplies and equipment through the co-op. Members join these co-ops as a way to reduce operating costs, increase marketing power and gain access to other services and supports. Producer co-ops operate in agriculture (machinery, farm supply, feedlots, seed cleaning, marketing and processing), forestry, fish processing and marketing, artist supply and marketing, technology and media services.
The online tools and guides that appear on this page are the best of what is known to exist 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 
Agricultural co-ops and New Generation co-ops
Link here for how-to guides, case studies and other resources for agricultural co-ops, including New Generation Co-operatives.
How-To guides for other producer co-ops
Guide to Setting up a Co-op for Artisans
This booklet was developed in the UK but is at least 95% relevant to Canadian arts and crafts producers. It offers an excellent introduction to the options and key steps required to set up a 'Makers Co-operative' in the UK, otherwise known as an artisan co-operative in Canada.
A Guide to Starting a Co-op in the Creative Industries
This guide was developed in the UK, but is useful for independent / freelance Canadians who wish to pursue co-op opportunities in the creative industry sectors. Specific details related to legislation or incorporation are not accurate in the Canadian context.
Case studies
Producer Co-op success stories
These stories look at 3 successful agricultural co-ops in the US, with links to further information contained in the articles.
Northwest Co-operative Fisheries Ltd.
This detailed study looks at a First Nations lake-fishery co-op in northwest Manitoba that operates a fish plant and marketing operations for its 143 members. When the case study was written in 2006, the co-op was in the process of expanding its operations, especially its value-added processing capacity.
Koocanusa Value-added Forestry Co-operative
This is the story of 14 small mill owners in BC's East Kootenay region who formed a new generation co-op as a way to increase their processing capacity and the value of their wood products.
Forestry Co-ops in Ontario
This directory of Ontario co-ops provides information and links to 3 different types of forestry co-ops operating in that province. Their activities include forest management, scientific research and education, marketing and reforestation.
Artist co-ops in Ontario
This directory provides information and links to many different types of artist co-operatives in Ontario, including art galleries, a music studio, and textile and film co-ops.
Artisan Co-ops in British Columbia
This collection of links tells the stories of 7 different types of arts co-operatives, with a focus on the co-ops' formation, and their successes and challenges.
Creative Co-operatives in the UK
At this link you will find an excellent introduction to the potential of co-operatives in the creative industries - with 8 stories from people in the music, design, theatre, journalism, web, and public relations industries in the UK.
Reports and other resources
BC Research on Forestry Co-ops
This research was conducted by the BC Institute for Co-op Studies around 2004. It offers a fairly comprehensive look at the topic - including types of co-ops in the forestry sector, the pros and cons of the co-op model in forestry, challenges to be overcome in start-up, and an overview of the status of forestry co-ops in BC, Canada, and internationally.
Reflections on Forestry Co-ops in the U.S.
This 4-page overview looks at the history and current status of forestry co-ops in the US, including the special challenges these co-ops have faced. |
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